Sunroof device

Abstract

A rear support part (100) of the sunroof device (30) has a first rear link (110) that rotates about an axis extending in the width direction, and a second rear link (140) that rotates about an axis extending in the width direction while supporting a movable panel (40). The first rear link (110) rotates on the basis of power transmitted from the power transmission member (200). The second rear link (140) rotates in accordance with the rotation of the first rear link (110), thereby displacing the movable panel (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a skylight device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a sunroof device, which includes: a movable panel covering a roof opening of a vehicle, a driving shoe that moves in the front-rear direction, a rear link that supports the movable panel from below, and a first fixed block and a second fixed block that support the rear link. In the sunroof device, the rear link has a first sliding shaft and a second sliding shaft extending in the width direction. The first fixed block has a first sliding groove that slides with the first sliding shaft of the rear link, and the second fixed block has a second sliding groove that slides with the second sliding shaft of the rear link.

[0003] In the sunroof device, when a force is applied to push the rear link backward based on the power transmitted from the driving shoe, the two sliding shafts of the rear link slide in the two sliding grooves respectively. Then, the rear link stands up, and the rear end of the movable panel rises relative to the front end. In other words, the movable panel is tilted.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent document 1: U.S. Patent No. 10589607. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] In order to make the rear link stand up when a force acts in the rear direction, the sunroof device as described above needs to set at least one of the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove to be inclined relative to the front-rear direction. Therefore, at least one of the first fixing block and the second fixing block is easy to be elongated in the vertical direction, and the thickness of the sunroof device in the vertical direction is easy to increase.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] A sunroof device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a movable panel configured to be displaced between a fully closed position and a tilted position, wherein the fully closed position is a position in which a roof opening of a vehicle is fully closed, and the tilted position is a position in which a rear end portion of the movable panel is raised compared to the fully closed position; a guide rail extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; a rear support portion, which is arranged closer to a rear end than a front end close to the guide rail and supports the movable panel; and a power transmission component configured to move along the guide rail in the front-rear direction, the rear support portion comprising: a first rear link configured to rotate about an axis extending in the width direction of the vehicle; and a second rear link configured to rotate about an axis extending in the width direction in a state in which the movable panel is supported, the first rear link configured to rotate based on power transmitted from the power transmission component, and the second rear link configured to rotate according to the rotation of the first rear link, thereby displacing the movable panel.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] The sunroof device can suppress an increase in thickness in the up-down direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including the sunroof device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 A top view of a vehicle with a sunroof apparatus.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the rear portion of a sunroof device.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the rear portion of a sunroof device.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the rear portion of a sunroof device.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the rear portion of a sunroof device.

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the rear portion of a sunroof device.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a first rear link of a sunroof device.

[0021] Fig. 9 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a sunroof device of the present invention when the movable panel is configured in a fully closed position.

[0022] Fig.10 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a sunroof device of the present invention when the movable panel is configured in a fully closed position.

[0023] Fig.11 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a sunroof device in which a movable panel is being lifted.

[0024] Fig.12 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a sunroof device in which a movable panel is being lifted.

[0025] Fig.13 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a sunroof device of the present invention when the movable panel is configured in a tilted position.

[0026] Fig.14 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a sunroof device of the present invention when the movable panel is configured in a tilted position.

[0027] Fig.15 It is an exploded perspective view of the rear portion of the sunroof device according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 An exploded perspective view of the rear portion of a sunroof device.

[0029] Fig.17 is Fig.15 A side view of a sunroof device of the type shown in FIG. 1 when the movable panel is configured in a fully closed position.

[0030] Fig.18 is Fig.15 A side view of a sunroof device of the present invention, wherein the movable panel is configured in a tilted position.

[0031] Fig.19 It is a side view of the sunroof device according to the third embodiment when the movable panel is arranged in the fully closed position.

[0032] Fig. 20 is Fig.19 A side view of a sunroof device of the present invention, wherein the movable panel is configured in a tilted position.

[0033] Fig.21 It is a side view of the sunroof device according to the fourth embodiment when the movable panel is arranged in the fully closed position.

[0034] Fig. 22 is Fig.21A side view of a sunroof device of the present invention, wherein the movable panel is configured in a tilted position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the sunroof device will be described.

[0036] <Structure of the first embodiment>

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 20 and a sunroof device 30 .

[0038] In the drawings, the extending direction of the X-axis is the width direction of the vehicle 10, the extending direction of the Y-axis is the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10, and the extending direction of the Z-axis is the up-down direction of the vehicle 10. In the following description, the width direction of the vehicle 10, the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10, and the up-down direction of the vehicle 10 are also referred to as the width direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction, respectively. In addition, in the width direction, the direction away from the center of the vehicle 10 is also referred to as the outside, and the direction approaching the center of the vehicle 10 is also referred to as the inside.

[0039] <Body 20>

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle body 20 includes a roof panel 21 constituting a roof. The roof panel 21 includes two side panels 22 extending in the front-rear direction, a front panel 23 connecting the front ends of the two side panels 22, and a rear panel 24 connecting the rear ends of the two side panels 22. In addition, the roof panel 21 includes a roof opening 25 divided by the two side panels 22, the front panel 23, and the rear panel 24. The roof opening 25 is rectangular in a plan view from above. The long side direction of the roof opening 25 is the width direction, and the short side direction of the roof opening 25 is the front-rear direction.

[0041] <Skylight device 30>

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the sunroof device 30 includes a movable panel 40, an actuator 50, a guide rail 60, a fixing bracket 70, a driving shoe 80, a front support portion 90, a rear support portion 100, and a power transmission member 200. Figure 2 As shown, most of the components of the sunroof device 30 have a bilaterally symmetrical shape and are arranged on the right and left sides of the roof opening 25. Therefore, in the following description, the components on the right side of the sunroof device 30 will be described.

[0043] <Movable panel 40>

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, the movable panel 40 includes a panel body 41 having a plate shape and a panel holder 42 joined to the panel body 41 .

[0045] The panel body 41 is made of a material such as glass or resin through which light can pass. The panel body 41 has a size and shape corresponding to the roof opening 25. The periphery of the panel body 41 is preferably covered with a resin material for the purpose of protecting the panel body 41. The panel bracket 42 is joined to the lower surface of the panel body 41. The panel bracket 42 extends in the front-rear direction on both sides of the panel body 41 in the width direction.

[0046] <Actuator 50>

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the actuator 50 includes a motor 51 , a cable 52 driven by the motor 51 , and a conversion mechanism 53 that converts the rotational motion of the output shaft of the motor 51 into the forward and backward motion of the cable 52 .

[0048] The motor 51 and the conversion mechanism 53 are fixed to the center portion in the width direction of the front panel 23. The cable 52 is a push-pull cable capable of pushing and pulling the drive shoe 80. The cable 52 is arranged along the front panel 23 and the guide rail 60.

[0049] <Guide rail 60>

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the guide rail 60 is in the shape of a long strip that is long in the front-to-back direction. The long side direction of the guide rail 60 is the front-to-back direction. In the first embodiment, the guide rail 60 is slightly curved in a manner that is convex upward when viewed from the width direction. That is, the guide rail 60 extending in the front-to-back direction includes the guide rail 60 that is curved and extended in addition to the guide rail 60 that extends in a straight line. The guide rail 60 is formed by, for example, extruding a metal material such as aluminum.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the guide rail 60 has a bottom wall 61, an inner wall 62, and an outer wall 63. In addition, the guide rail 60 has a receiving space 64 defined by the bottom wall 61, the inner wall 62, and the outer wall 63.

[0052] The bottom wall 61 is in the shape of a long flat plate that is long in the front-to-back direction. The long side direction of the bottom wall 61 is the front-to-back direction, the short side direction of the bottom wall 61 is the width direction, and the plate thickness direction of the bottom wall 61 is the up-down direction. The inner wall 62 extends from a position closer to the inner end than the outer end in the width direction of the bottom wall 61. The inner wall 62 includes: a first inner wall 62a extending upward from the bottom wall 61, a second inner wall 62b extending from the top end of the first inner wall 62a to the outer side in the width direction, and a third inner wall 62c extending from the first inner wall 62a to the outer side in the width direction below the second inner wall 62b. The outer wall 63 extends from a position closer to the outer end than the inner end in the width direction of the bottom wall 61. The outer wall 63 has: a first outer wall 63a extending upward from the bottom wall 61, a second outer wall 63b extending inward in the width direction from the top end of the first outer wall 63a, and a third outer wall 63c extending inward in the width direction from the first outer wall 63a below the second outer wall 63b.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the guide rail 60 is fixed to the vehicle body 20 so as to be adjacent to the side panel 22. Thus, the guide rail 60 extends in the front-rear direction on both sides of the roof opening 25 in the width direction.

[0054] <Fix bracket 70>

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fixing bracket 70 extends in the front-rear direction. The length of the fixing bracket 70 is preferably the same as the length of the panel bracket 42 of the movable panel 40. The fixing bracket 70 is formed by, for example, extruding or stamping a metal material. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cross-sectional shape of the fixing bracket 70 perpendicular to the long side direction is an “I” shape. Figure 3 In the state shown, the fixing bracket 70 is accommodated in the accommodation space 64 of the guide rail 60. The fixing bracket 70 is fixed to the panel bracket 42 of the movable panel 40. Therefore, when the fixing bracket 70 moves relative to the guide rail 60, the movable panel 40 and the fixing bracket 70 move together.

[0056] <Drive shoe 80>

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the drive shoe 80 is accommodated in the accommodation space 64 of the guide rail 60. Therefore, the movement of the drive shoe 80 in the front-to-back direction, which is the long side direction of the guide rail 60, is allowed, and the movement in the width direction and the up-down direction, which are directions orthogonal to the long side direction of the guide rail 60, is restricted. The top end of the cable 52 of the actuator 50 is connected to the drive shoe 80. The drive shoe 80 moves in the front-to-back direction along the guide rail 60 based on the power transmitted from the actuator 50.

[0058] <Front support portion 90>

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the front support portion 90 is accommodated in the accommodation space 64 of the guide rail 60. The front support portion 90 supports the top end portion of the fixed bracket 70 so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the width direction. That is, the front support portion 90 supports the movable panel 40 via the fixed bracket 70. The front support portion 90 moves in the front-to-back direction along the guide rail 60 based on the power transmitted from the drive shoe 80. When the front support portion 90 moves in the front-to-back direction, the fixed bracket 70 also moves in the front-to-back direction together with the front support portion 90.

[0060] <Rear support portion 100>

[0061] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the rear support 100 is received in the receiving space 64 of the guide rail 60 at a position closer to the rear end than the front end of the guide rail 60. The rear support 100 supports the fixing bracket 70 at a position behind the front support 90. That is, the rear support 100 supports the movable panel 40 via the fixing bracket 70.

[0062] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the rear support 100 includes a first rear link 110 , a second rear link 140 , and a link support portion 150 .

[0063] <First rear link 110>

[0064] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from the width direction, the first rear link 110 is in the shape of a rod that is long in a direction perpendicular to the width direction. In the following description, one end of the first rear link 110 in the long side direction is referred to as a base end, and the other end of the first rear link 110 in the long side direction is referred to as a top end. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first rear link 110 includes a core member 111 and a pin 112 made of a metal material and a cover portion 120 made of a resin material. Figure 8 As shown, the cover 120 is not composed of two separate resin members combined in the width direction.

[0065] The core member 111 includes a plate-shaped base 111a, a lower flange 111b extending from the lower end of the base 111a to the inner side in the width direction, and an upper flange 111c extending from the upper end of the base 111a to the outer side in the width direction. The plate thickness direction of the base 111a is consistent with the width direction. The core member 111 can be formed by, for example, stamping a metal plate. A notch is provided in the central portion of the upper flange 111c in the long side direction of the first rear link 110. In this regard, the upper flange 111c is divided into two in the long side direction of the first rear link 110. The axial direction of the pin 112 is the plate thickness direction of the base 111a. The pin 112 is fixed to the base 111a in a state of penetrating the base 111a in the width direction. In addition, the elastic modulus of the core member 111 and the pin 112 is higher than the elastic modulus of the covering portion 120.

[0066] The covering portion 120 covers the entire core member 111. The covering portion 120 includes a first rib 121, a second rib 122, two first link support shafts 123, and a hook 124. As an example, the covering portion 120 may be formed by injecting liquid resin around the core member 111 and the pin 112 disposed in a mold and then curing the liquid resin.

[0067] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the first rib 121 extends from the base 111a of the core member 111 toward the inner side in the width direction. The first rib 121 is located at a position offset from the base 111a of the core member 111 toward the inner side in the width direction. A portion of the first rib 121 covers the lower flange 111b of the core member 111.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the first rib 121 defines a first sliding groove 131. The first sliding groove 131 extends in a manner along the long side direction of the first rear link 110. In the following description, the end closer to the top end of the first rear link 110 of the two ends in the extension direction of the first sliding groove 131 is referred to as the first end, and the end farther from the top end of the first rear link 110 is referred to as the second end. In addition, the inner side surface of the first rib 121 and the surface extending along the long side direction of the first rear link 110 of the surface defining the first sliding groove 131 are referred to as the first upper sliding surface 132 and the first lower sliding surface 133.

[0069] The first upper sliding surface 132 and the first lower sliding surface 133 are surfaces facing each other in the vertical direction. Figure 5 to Figure 7In the state shown, the first upper sliding surface 132 is a surface located above the first lower sliding surface 133. The first upper sliding surface 132 extends from the top end toward the base end of the first rear link 110, and includes a first surface 132a, a second surface 132b, a third surface 132c, and a fourth surface 132d. Similarly, the first lower sliding surface 133 extends from the top end toward the base end of the first rear link 110, and includes a first surface 133a, a second surface 133b, a third surface 133c, and a fourth surface 133d. The first surfaces 132a, 133a and the third surfaces 132c, 133c extend in the same direction. The second surfaces 132b, 133b are inclined relative to the adjacent first surfaces 132a, 133a, and the fourth surfaces 132d, 133d are inclined relative to the adjacent third surfaces 132c, 133c. The first surfaces 132a, 133a and the fourth surfaces 132d, 133d are shorter than the second surfaces 132b, 133b and the third surfaces 132c, 133c.

[0070] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the second rib 122 extends from the base 111a of the core member 111 toward the outer side in the width direction. That is, the extension direction of the second rib 122 is opposite to the extension direction of the first rib 121. The second rib 122 is located at a position offset from the base 111a of the core member 111 toward the outer side in the width direction. A portion of the second rib 122 covers the upper flange 111c of the core member 111.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, the second rib 122 divides the second sliding groove 134. The second sliding groove 134 includes a transverse groove 134a extending in a manner along the long side direction of the first rear link 110 and a longitudinal groove 134b extending in a direction intersecting the transverse groove 134a. The transverse groove 134a extends from the top end portion of the first rear link 110 toward the base end portion of the first rear link 110. The longitudinal groove 134b extends from the end portion of the transverse groove 134a close to the rotation axis of the first rear link 110. The length of the longitudinal groove 134b is shorter than the length of the transverse groove 134a. The longitudinal groove 134b penetrates the second rib 122 in the up-down direction. In the following description, the end portion close to the top end of the first rear link 110 of the two end portions in the extension direction of the second sliding groove 134 is referred to as the first end, and the end portion away from the top end of the first rear link 110 is referred to as the second end. In addition, the inner side surface of the second rib 122 and the surface that divides the second sliding groove 134 and extends along the long side direction of the first rear link 110 is called the second upper sliding surface 135 and the second lower sliding surface 136. The second upper sliding surface 135 and the second lower sliding surface 136 are surfaces that face each other in the vertical direction. Figure 5 to Figure 7 In the illustrated state, the second upper sliding surface 135 is a surface located above the second lower sliding surface 136. The second sliding groove 134 corresponds to a "sliding groove".

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the second rib 122 has an engaging recess 125 with a depth direction being a direction orthogonal to both the width direction and the long side direction of the first rear link 110. The interval of the engaging recess 125 in the width direction becomes narrower as it goes into the depth direction. The engaging recess 125 is located in the center of the long side direction of the first rear link 110. In the first rear link 110, when the surface orthogonal to the width direction and the surface orthogonal to the long side direction of the first rear link 110, where the second sliding groove 134 opens, is regarded as the upper surface, the engaging recess 125 can also be said to be opened on the lower surface on the side opposite to the upper surface.

[0073] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the two first link support shafts 123 extend toward the inner side and the outer side in the width direction, respectively. The two first link support shafts 123 are the rotation axes of the first rear link 110. The axes of the two first link support shafts 123 are located on the same straight line and pass through the base end of the first rear link 110 in the width direction. The cross-sectional shape of the two first link support shafts 123 orthogonal to the width direction is an oblong shape. Therefore, the side surface of the first link support shaft 123 has two planes opposite to each other in the long side direction of the first rear link 110 and two peripheral surfaces opposite to each other in the depth direction. The distance between the two planes is shorter than the distance between the two peripheral surfaces. The two first link support shafts 123 are located at a position closer to the base end than the top end of the second rear link 140. In addition, the two first link support shafts 123 are components of the first rear link 110, and it can also be said that the rear support portion 100 has two first link support shafts 123.

[0074] The hook 124 forms a base end portion of the first rear link 110. The hook 124 is L-shaped when viewed from the width direction. The tip of the hook 124 extends from the lower surface of the first rear link 110 where the engagement recess 125 opens toward the upper surface of the first rear link 110 where the second slide groove 134 opens.

[0075] <Second rear link 140>

[0076] The second rear link 140 is formed by covering a metal material with a resin material, similarly to the first rear link 110. In other embodiments, the second rear link 140 may be formed only of a metal material or only of a resin material. The second rear link 140 is rod-shaped. In the following description, one end of the second rear link 140 in the long side direction is referred to as a base end, and the other end of the second rear link 140 in the long side direction is referred to as a top end.

[0077] like Figure 5 to Figure 7As shown, the second rear link 140 includes a first side wall 141 , a second side wall 142 , an intermediate wall 143 , two second link support shafts 144 , 145 , two guide shafts 146 , a second sliding shaft 147 , and an engaging protrusion 148 .

[0078] The first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142 are plate-shaped. The plate thickness direction of the first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142 is consistent with the width direction. The first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142 are arranged in a state of being spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The first side wall 141 is located at an inner side in the width direction compared to the second side wall 142. The interval in the width direction between the first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142 is slightly larger than the length of the fixing bracket 70 in the width direction. The middle wall 143 is plate-shaped. The plate thickness direction of the middle wall 143 is consistent with a direction orthogonal to both the width direction and the long side direction of the second rear link 140. The middle wall 143 connects the first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142 to each other.

[0079] The second link support shaft 144 extends from the base end of the first side wall 141 to the inner side in the width direction, and the second link support shaft 145 extends from the base end of the second side wall 142 to the outer side in the width direction. The second link support shafts 144 and 145 are the rotation shafts of the second rear link 140. The axes of the second link support shafts 144 and 145 are located on the same straight line. One of the two guide shafts 146 extends from the top end of the first side wall 141 to the outer side in the width direction, and the other of the two guide shafts 146 extends from the top end of the second side wall 142 to the inner side in the width direction. The axes of the two guide shafts 146 are located on the same straight line. In this regard, the two guide shafts 146 can also be said to extend in a direction approaching each other. In addition, in that the second link support shafts 144 and 145 are components of the second rear link 140, it can also be said that the rear support portion 100 includes the second link support shafts 144 and 145.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, the second sliding shaft 147 extends from the central portion of the first side wall 141 to the inner side in the width direction. In the width direction, the length of the second sliding shaft 147 is shorter than the length of the second link support shaft 144. The second sliding shaft 147 is equivalent to a "sliding shaft". The engaging protrusion 148 extends from the base end portion of the first side wall 141 to the inner side in the width direction, and then extends toward the top end portion of the first side wall 141. In detail, the engaging protrusion 148 extends from a portion between the position where the second link support shaft 144 of the first side wall 141 extends and the position where the second sliding shaft 147 extends. When viewed from the plate thickness direction of the intermediate wall 143, the length of the engaging protrusion 148 in the width direction becomes shorter as it approaches the top end of the engaging protrusion 148. That is, the top end of the engaging protrusion 148 becomes thinner.

[0081] When the first rear link 110 is compared with the second rear link 140 in the width direction, the full length of the first rear link 110 is longer than the full length of the second rear link 140. Here, the full length of the first rear link 110 and the full length of the second rear link 140 may be the full length as a shape. In this case, the full length of the first rear link 110 is the distance from the base end to the top end of the first rear link 110, and the full length of the second rear link 140 is the distance from the base end to the top end of the second rear link 140. In addition, the full length of the first rear link 110 and the full length of the second rear link 140 may also be the full length as a function. In this case, the full length of the first rear link 110 is the distance from the rotation center of the first rear link 110 to the front end of the first sliding groove 131 or the front end of the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110, and the full length of the second rear link 140 is the distance from the rotation center of the first rear link 110 to the centers of the two guide shafts 146.

[0082] <Link support portion 150>

[0083] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the link support portion 150 includes a first support block 151 , a second support block 152 , a first connecting wall 153 , and a second connecting wall 154 .

[0084] The first support block 151 and the second support block 152 are arranged in a state of being spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The first support block 151 is located on the inner side of the second support block 152 in the width direction. The interval in the width direction between the first support block 151 and the second support block 152 is slightly larger than the length of the first rear link 110 in the width direction excluding the two first link support shafts 123. On the other hand, the interval in the width direction between the first support block 151 and the second support block 152 is slightly smaller than the length of the first rear link 110 in the width direction including the two first link support shafts 123. The first support block 151 and the second support block 152 have support holes 155 penetrating in the width direction. The two support holes 155 are circular in shape when viewed from the width direction, and the axes of the two support holes 155 are located on the same straight line. Here, the first support block 151 and the second support block 152 do not have a wall portion that divides the front side of the two support holes 155. Therefore, the two support holes 155 are open to the front side of the two support holes 155 in the radial direction. Therefore, when the link support portion 150 is viewed from the front, the inner peripheral surface of the support hole 155 is exposed.

[0085] The first connecting wall 153 connects the first support block 151 and the second support block 152 to each other at the rear side compared with the support hole 155. The second connecting wall 154 connects the first support block 151 and the second support block 152 in the width direction at the rear side and below the first connecting wall 153. There is a gap between the first connecting wall 153 and the second connecting wall 154 in both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0086] <Power transmission member 200>

[0087] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the power transmission component 200 is a long strip component that is long in the front-rear direction. The power transmission component 200 is formed by covering a metal material with a resin material, similarly to the first rear link 110. In other embodiments, the power transmission component 200 may be formed only of a metal material or only of a resin material. The power transmission component 200 includes a rod 210 and a rear track 220.

[0088] The rod 210 extends in the front-rear direction. When the guide rail 60 is slightly curved as in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the rod 210 is also curved in the same manner.

[0089] The rear shoe 220 is connected to the rear end of the rod 210. The rear shoe 220 includes a first sliding block 221, a second sliding block 222, a retaining wall 223, a connecting plate 224, and a first sliding shaft 225.

[0090] The first sliding block 221 and the second sliding block 222 are arranged in a state of being spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The first sliding block 221 is located at a position closer to the inside in the width direction than the second sliding block 222. The first sliding block 221 has a first recess 226 recessed upward from the bottom surface of the first sliding block 221. The second sliding block 222 has a second recess 227 recessed upward from the bottom surface of the second sliding block 222. When viewed from the width direction, the first recess 226 and the second recess 227 are semicircular. The first recess 226 and the second recess 227 are equivalent to "recesses of the power transmission component". The retaining wall 223 is plate-shaped. The plate thickness direction of the retaining wall 223 is consistent with the width direction. The retaining wall 223 extends upward from the first sliding block 221. The retaining wall 223 retains the base end of the first sliding shaft 225. In a state of being retained by the retaining wall 223, the first sliding shaft 225 extends outward in the width direction. The connecting plate 224 is plate-shaped. The plate thickness direction of the connection plate 224 is consistent with the up-down direction. The connection plate 224 connects the first sliding block 221 and the second sliding block 222 to each other.

[0091] <Engagement Relationship between Rear Support 100 and Power Transmission Member 200>

[0092] like Figure 3As shown, the link support 150 is fixed to the rear end of the guide rail 60 by a fastening member such as a screw. At this time, most of the link support 150 protrudes rearward from the guide rail 60. In other embodiments, the link support 150 can also be accommodated in the accommodation space 64 of the guide rail 60.

[0093] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the two first link support shafts 123 of the first rear link 110 are respectively inserted into the two support holes 155 of the link support part 150. In this way, the first rear link 110 can rotate around the axes of the two first link support shafts 123 relative to the link support part 150. Here, when the first rear link 110 is supported by the link support part 150, the posture of the first rear link 110 is first determined in such a way that the two planes constituting the side surfaces of the two first link support shafts 123 of the first rear link 110 face the up-down direction. Then, the height of the axes of the two first link support shafts 123 of the first rear link 110 is made to coincide with the height of the axes of the two support holes 155 of the link support part 150. Thereafter, the first rear link 110 is moved rearward, and the two first link support shafts 123 of the first rear link 110 are respectively accommodated in the two support holes 155 of the link support part 150. Finally, the first rear link 110 is tilted forward so that the first rear link 110 is supported by the link support portion 150 .

[0094] The power transmission component 200 is accommodated in the accommodation space 64 of the guide rail 60. In detail, the rod 210 and the first sliding block 221 of the power transmission component 200 are accommodated in the space divided by the bottom wall 61, the first inner wall 62a and the third inner wall 62c of the guide rail 60. On the other hand, the second sliding block 222 of the power transmission component 200 is accommodated in the space divided by the first outer wall 63a, the second outer wall 63b and the third outer wall 63c of the guide rail 60. In this way, the power transmission component 200 can move in the front-to-back direction along the guide rail 60 in a state where the movement relative to the width direction and the up-down direction is restricted. In addition, in the first embodiment, since the guide rail 60 is bent, the state where the movement relative to the up-down direction is restricted refers to the state where the movement of the bottom wall 61, the third inner wall 62c, the second outer wall 63b and the third outer wall 63c of the guide rail 60 in the plate thickness direction is restricted.

[0095] In addition, the second link support shaft 144 of the second rear link 140 is arranged between the first slide block 221 and the bottom wall 61 of the guide rail 60, and the second link support shaft 145 of the second rear link 140 is arranged between the second slide block 222 and the bottom wall 61 of the guide rail 60. At this time, the second link support shaft 144 of the second rear link 140 is accommodated in the first recess 226 of the first slide block 221, and the second link support shaft 145 of the second rear link 140 is accommodated in the second recess 227 of the second slide block 222. That is, the second link support shafts 144 and 145 of the second rear link 140 are sandwiched in the vertical direction by the first recess 226 and the second recess 227 of the power transmission component 200 and the guide rail 60. In this way, the second rear link 140 can move in the front-rear direction along the guide rail 60 together with the power transmission component 200. The second rear link 140 is rotatable about the axis of the second link support shafts 144 and 145 relative to the power transmission member 200. The second link support shafts 144 and 145 are disposed forward of the first link support shaft 123.

[0096] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the first sliding block 221 of the power transmission component 200 is adjacent to the first side wall 141 of the second rear link 140 in the width direction. In addition, the second sliding block 222 of the power transmission component 200 is adjacent to the second side wall 142 of the second rear link 140 in the width direction. In this regard, it can also be said that the portion of the power transmission component 200 that transmits power to the second rear link 140 and the portion of the second rear link 140 to which the power is transmitted from the power transmission component 200 are adjacent in the width direction. Here, adjacent in the width direction means that the above-mentioned portion of the power transmission component 200 is close to the above-mentioned portion of the second rear link 140 in the width direction, and there is no other component between the two portions.

[0097] exist Figure 3 In the state shown, the retaining wall 223 of the power transmission component 200 is adjacent to the first rear link 110 in the width direction. In detail, the retaining wall 223 of the power transmission component 200 is located on the outer side of the first rear link 110 in the width direction. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 is located in the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110. Therefore, when the power transmission component 200 moves in the front-rear direction, the first sliding shaft 225 slides with the first sliding groove 131. As described above, the portion of the power transmission component 200 that transmits power to the first rear link 110 and the portion of the first rear link 110 that receives power from the power transmission component 200 are adjacent in the width direction. Here, adjacent in the width direction means that the above-mentioned portion of the power transmission component 200 and the above-mentioned portion of the first rear link 110 are close in the width direction, and there is no other component between the two portions.

[0098] exist Figure 3 In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the first rear link 110 is adjacent to the second rear link 140 in the width direction. Specifically, the first rear link 110 is located on the inner side of the second rear link 140 in the width direction. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 is located in the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110. Therefore, when the first rear link 110 rotates or the second rear link 140 moves in the front-rear direction, the second sliding shaft 147 slides with the second sliding groove 134. Through the above, the portion of the first rear link 110 that transmits power to the second rear link 140 and the portion of the second rear link 140 that transmits power from the first rear link 110 are adjacent in the width direction. Here, adjacent in the width direction means that the above-mentioned portion of the first rear link 110 is close to the above-mentioned portion of the second rear link 140 in the width direction, and there is no other component between the two portions.

[0099] like Figure 4 As shown, the top end of the second rear link 140 supports the fixing bracket 70. At this time, the second rear link 140 sandwiches the fixing bracket 70 in the width direction through the two guide shafts 146. In the condition where the second rear link 140 supports the fixing bracket 70, the fixing bracket 70 can rotate relative to the top end of the second rear link 140 around the axis of the two guide shafts 146. In addition, the fixing bracket 70 can slide with the two guide shafts 146 of the second rear link 140 in the long side direction of the fixing bracket 70.

[0100] <Relationship between the Position of the Movable Panel 40 and the Position of the Driving Shoe 80>

[0101] The sunroof device 30 displaces the movable panel 40 by moving the drive shoe 80 in the front-rear direction. Specifically, when the drive shoe 80 is moved rearward, the movable panel 40 performs an opening action, and when the drive shoe 80 is moved forward, the movable panel 40 performs a closing action. In the following description, the position where the movable panel 40 fully closes the roof opening 25 is referred to as a "fully closed position", and the position where the movable panel 40 fully opens the roof opening 25 is referred to as a "fully open position". In addition, the position where the rear end of the movable panel 40 rises compared to the fully closed position is referred to as a "lifted position".

[0102] Furthermore, the position of the driving shoe 80 that places the movable panel 40 in the fully closed position is referred to as the "fully closed corresponding position", and the position of the driving shoe 80 that places the movable panel 40 in the fully open position is referred to as the "fully open corresponding position". In addition, the position of the driving shoe 80 that places the movable panel 40 in the tilted position is referred to as the "tilted corresponding position". In the moving range of the driving shoe 80, the frontmost position is the fully closed corresponding position, and the rearmost position is the fully open corresponding position. The tilted corresponding position is a position between the fully closed corresponding position and the fully open corresponding position.

[0103] When the driving shoe 80 moves between the fully closed corresponding position and the tilted corresponding position, the power transmission component 200 moves in the front-to-back direction together with the driving shoe 80. On the other hand, when the driving shoe 80 moves between the tilted corresponding position and the fully opened corresponding position, the power transmission component 200 does not move in the front-to-back direction together with the driving shoe 80. In contrast, when the driving shoe 80 moves between the fully closed corresponding position and the tilted corresponding position, the front support portion 90 does not move in the front-to-back direction together with the driving shoe 80. On the other hand, when the driving shoe 80 moves between the tilted corresponding position and the fully opened corresponding position, the front support portion 90 moves in the front-to-back direction together with the driving shoe 80.

[0104] <Function of the first embodiment>

[0105] Reference Figures 9 to 14 , the action of the sunroof device 30 when the movable panel 40 is tilted up will be described. Figures 9 to 14 It is a cross-sectional view of the sunroof device 30 perpendicular to the width direction. Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110, Fig.10 , Fig.12 , Fig.14 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110 .

[0106] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.10In the state shown, the driving shoe 80 is located at the fully closed corresponding position. When the driving shoe 80 is located at the fully closed corresponding position, the power transmission member 200 is located at the frontmost position in the range of movement in the front-rear direction.

[0107] like Fig. 9 As shown, when the power transmission component 200 is located at the frontmost position, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 is located at the first end of the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110. In addition, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 contacts the first lower sliding surface 133 of the first sliding groove 131. In detail, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 contacts the first surface 133a. At this time, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 presses the first rear link 110 toward the bottom wall 61 of the guide rail 60. In the following description, as Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the position where the first rear link 110 is tilted is referred to as a “first tilted position.” When the first rear link 110 is located at the first tilted position, the inclination of the first sliding groove 131 and the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110 relative to the front-rear direction becomes smaller.

[0108] exist Fig. 9 In the state shown, the first surfaces 132a and 133a of the first sliding groove 131 extend in the front-rear direction. The second surfaces 132b and 133b of the first sliding groove 131 are inclined downward as they go toward the rear. In other words, the second surfaces 132b and 133b of the first sliding groove 131 are inclined toward the lower edge of the guide rail 60 as they go from the top end portion of the first rear link 110 toward the base end portion. Fig.10 In the illustrated state, the second lower sliding surface 136 of the second sliding groove 134 is slightly inclined upward as it goes rearward. In other words, the second lower sliding surface 136 is inclined toward the upper edge of the guide rail 60 as it goes from the top end portion of the first rear link 110 toward the base end portion.

[0109] like Fig.10 As shown, when the power transmission component 200 is located at the frontmost position, the second rear link 140 is also located at the frontmost position within its moving range in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 is located at the first end of the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110. In addition, the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 is in contact with the second upper sliding surface 135 of the second sliding groove 134. At this time, the second upper sliding surface 135 of the first rear link 110 presses the second rear link 140 toward the bottom wall 61 of the guide rail 60. In the following description, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the position where the second rear link 140 is tilted is referred to as a “second tilted position”.

[0110] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the first rear link 110 is in the first dumped position, the first rear link 110 is located below the upper edge of the guide rail 60. That is, when viewed from the width direction, the first rear link 110 is blocked by the guide rail 60 except for the base end. Fig.10 As shown, when the second rear link 140 is located at the second dumped position, the second rear link 140 is located below the upper edge of the guide rail 60. That is, when viewed from the width direction, the second rear link 140 is blocked by the guide rail 60. In this regard, the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 is also blocked by the guide rail 60.

[0111] Through the above, when the driving shoe 80 is located at the fully closed corresponding position, the first rear link 110 is located at the first dumping position, and the second rear link 140 is located at the second dumping position. Therefore, at the point where the top end of the second rear link 140 is lowered, the rear end of the fixing bracket 70 is also lowered. As a result, the movable panel 40 is arranged at the fully closed position. At this point, the first dumping position of the first rear link 110 is a position where the second rear link 140 is arranged at the second dumping position, and the second dumping position of the second rear link 140 is a position where the movable panel 40 is arranged at the fully closed position.

[0112] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, when the driving shoe 80 moves backward from the fully closed corresponding position, the power of the driving shoe 80 is not transmitted to the front support portion 90 but to the power transmission member 200. That is, the position and posture of the front support portion 90 supporting the front end of the fixing bracket 70 do not change substantially, and the power transmission member 200 moves backward.

[0113] like Fig.11 As shown, when the power transmission component 200 moves backward, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 slides with the first upper sliding surface 132 of the first rear link 110. That is, the first sliding shaft 225 pushes the first upper sliding surface 132 backward, so that the first rear link 110 rotates in a manner of standing up from the first dumping position. In detail, when the first sliding shaft 225 starts to slide with the second surface 132b, the first rear link 110 starts to rotate. As the rotation amount of the first rear link 110 increases, the inclination of the first sliding groove 131 and the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110 relative to the front-rear direction increases. Through the above, when the power transmission component 200 moves backward, the first link support shaft 123, that is, the pin 112 does not move to the rear as the moving direction of the power transmission component 200. On the other hand, the first rear link 110 rotates around the axis of the first link support shaft 123.

[0114] like Fig.12 As shown, when the power transmission member 200 moves backward, the second rear link 140 moves backward together with the power transmission member 200, and the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 slides with the second lower sliding surface 136 of the first rear link 110. That is, the power transmission member 200 pushes the second link support shafts 144 and 145 of the second rear link 140 backward, and the second lower sliding surface 136 of the first rear link 110 pushes the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 upward. As a result, the second rear link 140 is displaced in an upright manner. Therefore, the rear end portion of the fixing bracket 70 supported by the second rear link 140 rises. In this way, the movable panel 40 is tilted. When the movable panel 40 is tilted, a space can be formed between the movable panel 40 and the guide rail 60 in the up-down direction. Therefore, even if the first rear link 110 rotates in the upright direction, the first rear link 110 does not contact the movable panel 40. As described above, when the power transmission member 200 moves rearward, the second link support shafts 144 and 145 move rearward in the moving direction of the power transmission member 200. Meanwhile, the second rear link 140 rotates about the axis of the second link support shafts 144 and 145.

[0115] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, when the driving shoe 80 moves to the corresponding position of the tilting, the power transmission component 200 is Fig.11 and Fig.12 After the driving shoe 80 moves to the corresponding position of the tilting, even if the driving shoe 80 moves backward, the power transmission component 200 will not move backward. Fig.13 and Fig.14 The position of the power transmission member 200 shown is the rearmost position in the moving range in the front-rear direction.

[0116] like Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the power transmission component 200 moves to the rearmost position, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 moves to the second end of the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110. Therefore, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 contacts the fourth surface 132d of the first sliding groove 131. As a result, the first rear link 110 is in the most upright position. In the following description, Fig.13 As shown, the position where the first rear link 110 stands upright is referred to as the "first standing position". When the first rear link 110 is at the first standing position, the inclination of the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110 relative to the front-rear direction is the maximum. At this time, the fourth surfaces 132d and 133d of the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110 extend in the front-rear direction.

[0117] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the power transmission component 200 moves to the rearmost position, the second rear link 140 also moves to the rearmost position within its range of movement in the front-rear direction. In addition, the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 moves to the second end of the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110. As a result, the second rear link 140 is in the most upright position. In the following description, Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the position where the second rear link 140 stands upright is referred to as the "second standing position". When the second rear link 140 is located at the second standing position, the top end of the second rear link 140 rises the most. Therefore, the rear end of the fixing bracket 70 supported by the second rear link 140 also rises the most. As a result, the tilting of the movable panel 40 is completed, and the movable panel 40 is arranged at the tilting position. In this regard, the first standing position of the first rear link 110 is a position where the second rear link 140 is arranged at the second standing position, and the second standing position of the second rear link 140 is a position where the movable panel 40 is arranged at the tilting position.

[0118] like Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the first rear link 110 is located at the first upright position, a portion of the first rear link 110 protrudes upward from the upper edge of the guide rail 60. Fig.14 As shown, when the second rear link 140 is located at the second upright position, a portion of the second rear link 140 protrudes upward from the upper edge of the guide rail 60. At this time, the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 is located above the upper edge of the guide rail 60.

[0119] exist Fig.14 In the state shown, the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 is located in the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110. At this time, the longitudinal groove 134b of the first rear link 110 extends upward from the end of the transverse groove 134a on the side close to the rotation axis of the first rear link 110. Here, the upward extension includes the case where the longitudinal groove 134b extends only in the up-down direction, and also includes the case where the longitudinal groove 134b extends in a direction slightly inclined relative to the up-down direction. However, the inclination of the longitudinal groove 134b relative to the front-to-back direction is greater than the inclination of the transverse groove 134a relative to the front-to-back direction. In addition, a part of the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 slightly protrudes from the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110.

[0120] The angle of the first rear link 110 relative to the guide rail 60, in other words, the angle between the long side direction of the guide rail 60 and the long side direction of the first rear link 110 is referred to as the rising angle of the first rear link 110. In addition, the angle of the second rear link 140 relative to the guide rail 60, in other words, the angle between the long side direction of the guide rail 60 and the long side direction of the second rear link 140 is referred to as the rising angle of the second rear link 140. Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the standing angle of the second rear link 140 at the second standing position is an angle close to vertical compared with the standing angle of the first rear link 110 at the first standing position.

[0121] Next, the operation of the sunroof device 30 when the movable panel 40 is lowered will be briefly described.

[0122] When the movable panel 40 is lowered from the tilted position, the driving shoe 80 moves forward from the tilted corresponding position. When the driving shoe 80 moves forward from the tilted corresponding position, the power transmission component 200 moves forward together with the driving shoe 80. Then, the first rear link 110 rotates in a manner of falling down from the first upright position by sliding the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 with the first lower sliding surface 133 of the first rear link 110. In detail, the first rear link 110 rotates in a manner of falling down from the first upright position by sliding the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 with the fourth surface 133d, the third surface 133c, the second surface 133b and the first surface 133a of the first rear link 110 in sequence. In addition, when the driving shoe 80 moves forward from the tilted corresponding position, the second rear link 140 moves forward together with the power transmission component 200. At this time, the second rear link 140 rotates in a manner of falling down from the second upright position by sliding the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 with the second upper sliding surface 135 of the first rear link 110. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the first rear link 110 is located at the first tilting position, and the second rear link 140 is located at the second tilting position. As a result, the movable panel 40 is arranged at the fully closed position.

[0123] Through the above, when the power transmission component 200 moves forward, the first link support shaft 123 does not move in the moving direction of the power transmission component 200. On the other hand, the first rear link 110 rotates around the axis of the first link support shaft 123. In addition, when the power transmission component 200 moves rearward, the second link support shafts 144 and 145 move in the moving direction of the power transmission component 200. On the other hand, the second rear link 140 rotates around the axis of the second link support shafts 144 and 145.

[0124] Next, the operation of the movable panel 40 of the sunroof device 30 when it moves in the front-rear direction will be briefly described.

[0125] In the sunroof device 30, when the driving shoe 80 moves between the tilting corresponding position and the fully opened corresponding position, the power of the driving shoe 80 is transmitted to the front support portion 90, and the power of the driving shoe 80 is not transmitted to the power transmission member 200. That is, the postures of the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 do not change, and the front support portion 90 moves in the front-rear direction.

[0126] In detail, when the driving shoe 80 moves backward from the tilting corresponding position toward the fully open corresponding position, the front support part 90 moves backward together with the fixed bracket 70. At this time, the fixed bracket 70 slides and moves backward with the two guide shafts 146 of the second rear link 140. The movable panel 40 moves backward together with the fixed bracket 70. When the driving shoe 80 moves to the fully open corresponding position, the movable panel 40 is configured in the fully open position. On the other hand, when the driving shoe 80 moves forward from the fully open corresponding position toward the tilting corresponding position, the front support part 90 moves forward together with the fixed bracket 70. At this time, the fixed bracket 70 slides and moves forward with the two guide shafts 146 of the second rear link 140. The movable panel 40 moves forward together with the fixed bracket 70. When the driving shoe 80 moves to the tilting corresponding position, the movable panel 40 is configured in the fully open position.

[0127] <Effects of the First Embodiment>

[0128] (1-1) In the sunroof device 30, the power transmission component 200 rotates the first rear link 110. In addition, the first rear link 110 rotates the second rear link 140. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can easily increase the rotation amount of the second rear link 140 without increasing the load of the power transmission component 200, compared with the comparative example in which the power transmission component 200 directly rotates the second rear link 140. Therefore, even if the sunroof device 30 causes the second rear link 140 to fall down along the guide rail 60 when the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully closed position, the second rear link 140 can be raised from the guide rail 60 when the movable panel 40 is arranged in the raised position. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can reduce the thickness of the device in the vertical direction when the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully closed position.

[0129] (1-2) When the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 have only the degree of freedom of rotation, the movement amount of the second rear link 140 tends to become small. In contrast, in the sunroof device 30, at least one of the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 has the degree of freedom to move in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the second rear link 140 has the degree of freedom to move in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can set the movement amount of the second rear link 140 to be large. As a result, when the sunroof device 30 is arranged in the tilting position, it becomes easy to ensure the rising amount of the rear end portion of the movable panel 40.

[0130] (1-3) In the sunroof device 30, when the power transmission member 200 moves in the front-rear direction, force is transmitted from both the power transmission member 200 and the first rear link 110 to the second rear link 140. That is, two forces act on the second rear link 140. Therefore, when designing the sunroof device 30, by adjusting the position where the power transmission member 200 acts on the second rear link 140 and the position where the first rear link 110 acts on the second rear link 140, the second rear link 140 can be easily rotated.

[0131] (1-4) When the movable panel 40 is arranged at the fully closed position, the first rear link 110 is located at the first tilted position where it is tilted down relative to the guide rail 60. In this case, the amount of the first rear link 110 protruding upward relative to the guide rail 60 becomes smaller. On the other hand, when the movable panel 40 is arranged at the tilted position, the first rear link 110 is located at the first standing position where it is standing up relative to the guide rail 60. In this case, the amount of the first rear link 110 protruding upward relative to the guide rail 60 becomes larger. That is, the sunroof device 30 is easy to arrange the engagement position of the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 via the second sliding shaft 147 and the second sliding groove 134 upward, and it is easy to increase the standing amount of the second rear link 140 at the second standing position. In other words, when the sunroof device 30 arranges the second rear link 140 at the second standing position, it is easy to arrange the rear end of the fixing bracket 70 supported by the second rear link 140 further upward. In this way, the sunroof device 30 can ensure the tilting amount of the movable panel 40 and can reduce the thickness of the device in the vertical direction when the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully closed position. Compared with a comparative example in which the first rear link 110 is fixed to the guide rail 60, for example, the sunroof device 30 can reduce the thickness of the device in the vertical direction caused by the first rear link 110.

[0132] (1-5) Power is transmitted from the power transmission member 200 to the first rear link 110 via the first sliding shaft 225 and the first sliding groove 131. Similarly, power is transmitted from the first rear link 110 to the second rear link 140 via the second sliding shaft 147 and the second sliding groove 134. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can make the structure for transmitting power from the power transmission member 200 to the first rear link 110 and the structure for transmitting power from the first rear link 110 to the second rear link 140 the same structure.

[0133] In addition, a comparative example is considered in which the power transmission component 200 has a structure equivalent to the first sliding groove 131, and the first rear link 110 has a structure equivalent to the first sliding shaft 225. In this comparative example, the power transmission component 200 is a component that moves substantially in the front-rear direction. Therefore, in that the first sliding groove 131 is provided in the power transmission component 200, the thickness of the power transmission component 200 in the vertical direction becomes easy to increase, and the thickness of the guide rail 60 that accommodates the power transmission component 200 in the vertical direction becomes easy to increase. Therefore, compared with the above comparative example, the sunroof device 30 can suppress the increase in the thickness of the device in the vertical direction.

[0134] (1-6) In the first rear link 110, the first sliding groove 131 and the second sliding groove 134 are provided in the cover portion 120 made of a resin material. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can improve the degree of freedom of the shape of the first sliding groove 131 and the second sliding groove 134, compared with the case where the structure equivalent to the first sliding groove 131 and the second sliding groove 134 is provided in the base 111a. In addition, by providing a hole in the base 111a of the first rear link 110, the first rear link 110 can be easily enlarged in the case of the comparative example in which the structure equivalent to the first sliding groove 131 and the second sliding groove 134 is provided. In this regard, the sunroof device 30 can suppress the enlargement of the first rear link 110 compared with the above-mentioned comparative example.

[0135] (1-7) The first rear link 110 is disposed in the width direction between the retaining wall 223 of the power transmission member 200 and the second rear link 140. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can densely arrange the structure for transmitting power from the power transmission member 200 to the first rear link 110 and the structure for transmitting power from the first rear link 110 to the second rear link 140 in the width direction. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can suppress the enlargement of the rear support portion 100 in the width direction.

[0136] (1-8) When the movable panel 40 is arranged in the tilted position, a load in the up-down direction may temporarily or periodically act on the movable panel 40 while the vehicle 10 is traveling. Such a load is transmitted to the second rear link 140 via the movable panel 40 and the fixing bracket 70. In this regard, Fig.14As shown in FIG. 1 , when the movable panel 40 is arranged at the tilted position, the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 is accommodated in the longitudinal groove 134b extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the above-mentioned load acts, the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 tends to move along the longitudinal groove 134b. That is, it becomes difficult for the above-mentioned load to be transmitted from the second rear link 140 to the first rear link 110 via the second sliding shaft 147. In this way, when the load in the vertical direction acts on the movable panel 40 arranged at the tilted position, the sunroof device 30 can suppress the movable panel 40 from moving from the tilted position.

[0137] (1-9) In the sunroof device 30, if the longitudinal groove 134b of the first rear link 110 is lengthened, the erection amount of the second rear link 140 when the second rear link 140 is arranged in the second erection position is likely to be increased. In this regard, the sunroof device 30 can increase the length of the longitudinal groove 134b without increasing the thickness of the first rear link 110 in the extending direction of the longitudinal groove 134b, because the longitudinal groove 134b of the first rear link 110 penetrates the second rib 122 in the up-down direction.

[0138] (1-10) Fig.14 As shown, when the first rear link 110 is located at the first upright position and the second rear link 140 is located at the second upright position, the engaging protrusion 148 of the second rear link 140 is embedded in the engaging recess 125 of the first rear link 110. In detail, in the width direction, the engaging recess 125 of the first rear link 110 sandwiches the engaging protrusion 148 of the second rear link 140. Therefore, when the movable panel 40 is arranged at the tilted position, the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 become difficult to move relative to each other in the width direction. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can suppress the unexpected movement of the movable panel 40 from the tilted position caused by the relative movement of the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 in the width direction.

[0139] (1-11) When the rotation axis of the first rear link 110 is located above the upper edge of the guide rail 60 when viewed from the width direction, the first rear link 110 is likely to protrude upward from the guide rail 60. On the other hand, when the rotation axis of the first rear link 110 is located below the lower edge of the guide rail 60 when viewed from the width direction, the first rear link 110 is likely to protrude downward from the guide rail 60. In this regard, Fig. 9As shown in FIG. 1 , the rotation axis of the first rear link 110, which is also the axis of the pin 112, is located below the upper edge of the guide rail 60 and above the lower edge of the guide rail 60. More precisely, the rotation axis of the first rear link 110 is located below the extension line of the upper edge of the guide rail 60 to the rear and above the extension line of the lower edge of the guide rail 60 to the rear. Therefore, the first rear link 110 located in the first tilted position becomes less likely to protrude upward and downward from the guide rail 60. As a result, the sunroof device 30 can further reduce the thickness of the device in the vertical direction when the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully closed position.

[0140] (1-12) Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, when the first rear link 110 is located at the first tilt position, the hook 124 of the first rear link 110 is locked to the second connection wall 154 of the link support portion 150. Therefore, the sunroof apparatus 30 can stabilize the posture of the first rear link 110 at the first tilt position.

[0141] (1-13) The posture of the second rear link 140 when the driving shoe 80 moves from the fully closed corresponding position to the tilted corresponding position changes according to the inclination of the first sliding groove 131 and the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110. Therefore, in the design stage, by changing the inclination of the first sliding groove 131 and the second sliding groove 134, the change in the posture of the second rear link 140 relative to the movement amount of the driving shoe 80 can be freely selected. That is, the change in the position of the movable panel 40 relative to the movement amount of the driving shoe 80 can be freely selected.

[0142] (1-14) Fig. 9 As shown, when the driving shoe 80 is located at the fully closed corresponding position, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 is located at the first end of the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110 in the first tilted position. That is, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 is in contact with the first surface 132a, 133a of the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110. Here, the first surface 132a, 133a of the first rear link 110 extends in the front-to-back direction which is the long side direction of the guide rail 60. Therefore, even if the position of the power transmission component 200 when the driving shoe 80 is moved to the fully closed corresponding position is slightly offset from the original position, it is easy to maintain the state in which the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 is in contact with the first surface 132a, 133a of the first sliding groove 131. Therefore, when the sunroof device 30 places the movable panel 40 in the fully closed position, the first rear link 110 can be placed in the first tilt position regardless of the positional deviation between the drive shoe 80 and the power transmission member 200 .

[0143] (1-15) Fig.13As shown, when the driving shoe 80 is located at the corresponding position of the tilting, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 is located at the second end of the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110 in the first upright position. That is, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 is in contact with the fourth surfaces 132d and 133d of the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110. Here, the fourth surfaces 132d and 133d of the first rear link 110 extend in the front-to-back direction which is the long side direction of the guide rail 60. Therefore, even if the position of the power transmission component 200 when the driving shoe 80 is moved to the corresponding position of the tilting is slightly offset from the original position, it is easy to maintain the state in which the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 is in contact with the fourth surfaces 132d and 133d of the first sliding groove 131. Therefore, when the sunroof device 30 arranges the movable panel 40 at the tilted position, the first rear link 110 can be arranged at the first upright position regardless of the misalignment between the drive shoe 80 and the power transmission member 200 .

[0144] (1-16) When the first rear link 110 is arranged in the first tilted position, the first rear link 110 is located below the upper edge of the guide rail 60. Similarly, when the second rear link 140 is arranged in the second tilted position, the second rear link 140 is located below the upper edge of the guide rail 60. Therefore, when the sunroof device 30 is arranged in the fully closed position, the increase in the thickness of the device in the vertical direction due to the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 can be suppressed.

[0145] (1-17) The second link support shafts 144 and 145 of the second rear link 140 are sandwiched in the up-down direction by the first recess 226 and the second recess 227 of the power transmission member 200 and the bottom wall 61 of the guide rail 60. In this way, the second rear link 140 can move in the front-to-rear direction along the guide rail 60 and can rotate around the axis extending in the width direction. That is, the sunroof device 30 can simplify the support method of the second rear link 140.

[0146] (1-18) For example, when the power transmission component 200 is separated from the first rear link 110 in the width direction, the power transmission efficiency from the power transmission component 200 to the first rear link 110 is likely to decrease. In contrast, in the sunroof device 30 of the first embodiment, the portions related to the power transmission between the power transmission component 200 and the first rear link 110 are adjacent in the width direction. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can suppress the decrease in the power transmission efficiency from the power transmission component 200 to the first rear link 110. Similarly, the sunroof device 30 can suppress the decrease in the power transmission efficiency from the power transmission component 200 to the second rear link 140 and the power transmission efficiency from the first rear link 110 to the second rear link 140.

[0147] (1-19) When the movable panel 40 is arranged at the tilted position, when a load in the up-down direction acts on the movable panel 40, the load is transmitted to the second rear link 140 supporting the movable panel 40 via the fixing bracket 70. Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, when the movable panel 40 is arranged in the tilted position, the rising angle of the second rear link 140 with respect to the long side direction of the guide rail 60 is an angle close to perpendicular to the rising angle of the first rear link 110 with respect to the long side direction of the guide rail 60. In detail, the line segment connecting the center of the guide shaft 146 of the second rear link 140 and the center of the second link support shafts 144 and 145 extends in a substantially vertical direction. Therefore, when the above-mentioned load is transmitted to the second rear link 140, it is difficult for the second rear link 140 to generate a large torque that rotates the second rear link 140. As a result, when the load in the vertical direction acts on the movable panel 40 arranged in the tilted position, the sunroof device 30 can reduce the torque generated in the second rear link 140.

[0148] (1-20) Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the entire length of the first rear link 110 is longer than the entire length of the second rear link 140. Therefore, the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110 can be moved away from the rotation center of the first rear link 110. As a result, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 pushes the first rear link 110 to the rotation center of the first rear link 110 becomes longer. Therefore, the sunroof device 30 can improve the power transmission efficiency from the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 to the first rear link 110.

[0149] In addition, the rotation angle of the first rear link 110 about the axis of the first link support shaft 123 when the first rear link 110 is displaced from the first tilted position to the first upright position is smaller than the rotation angle of the second rear link 140 about the axis of the second link support shafts 144, 145 when the second rear link 140 is displaced from the second tilted position to the second upright position. Therefore, even if the total length of the first rear link 110 is increased, the first rear link 110 disposed at the first upright position is unlikely to interfere with the movable panel 40 disposed at the tilted position.

[0150] <Second embodiment>

[0151] A sunroof device 30A according to a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the structures of the rear support portion 300 and the power transmission member 350. Therefore, the structures different from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and the same symbols or the same names will be given to the structures common to the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted.

[0152] <Structure of Second Embodiment>

[0153] like Figure 15 to Figure 17 As shown, the rear support portion 300 of the sunroof device 30A includes a first rear link 310 , a second rear link 320 , a link support portion 330 , a connecting shaft 341 , a first link support shaft 342 , and a second link support shaft 343 .

[0154] The first rear link 310 is in the shape of a flat plate. The thickness direction of the first rear link 310 is consistent with the width direction. The first rear link 310 has a first sliding groove 311 that penetrates the first rear link 310 in the width direction. When viewed from the width direction, the first sliding groove 311 is in the shape of an arc. Figure 15 to Figure 17 In the illustrated state, the first slide groove 311 is gently curved so as to be directed downward as it goes toward the rear.

[0155] The second rear link 320 includes two link plates 321, a connecting plate 322 connecting the two link plates 321 to each other, and two guide shafts 323 protruding from the two link plates 321, respectively. The two link plates 321 are plate-shaped. The plate thickness direction of the two link plates 321 is consistent with the width direction. The two link plates 321 are integrated by the connecting plate 322. One guide shaft 323 protrudes outward from the top end of the link plate 321 located on the inner side in the width direction. The other guide shaft 323 protrudes inward from the top end of the link plate 321 located on the outer side in the width direction. That is, the two guide shafts 323 protrude in a direction close to each other in the width direction. In the width direction, there is a gap between the two guide shafts 323.

[0156] When the first rear link 310 and the second rear link 320 are compared in the width direction, the full length of the first rear link 310 is longer than the full length of the second rear link 320. Here, the full length of the first rear link 310 and the full length of the second rear link 320 may be the full length as a shape. In this case, the full length of the first rear link 310 is the distance from the base end to the top end of the first rear link 310, and the full length of the second rear link 320 is the distance from the base end to the top end of the second rear link 320. In addition, the full length of the first rear link 310 and the full length of the second rear link 320 may also be the full length as a function. In this case, the full length of the first rear link 310 is the distance from the rotation center of the first rear link 310 to the front end of the first sliding groove 311 of the first rear link 310, and the full length of the second rear link 320 is the distance from the rotation center of the first rear link 310 to the center of the two guide shafts 323.

[0157] The link support portion 330 includes a first support portion 331 that supports the first rear link 310 , a second support portion 332 that supports the second rear link 320 , and a rail fixing portion 333 that is fixed to the guide rail 60 .

[0158] The first support portion 331 includes a slit 331a extending downward from the upper surface of the first support portion 331 and a third sliding groove 331b penetrating the first support portion 331 in the width direction. The slit 331a extends in the front-rear direction when viewed from above, and extends downward when viewed from the rear. The slit 331a includes a portion having a width substantially the same as the plate thickness of the first rear link 310 and a portion having a width greater than the plate thickness of the first rear link 310. The third sliding groove 331b penetrates the first support portion 331 in the width direction. In this regard, the third sliding groove 331b is connected to the slit 331a. When viewed in the width direction, the third sliding groove 331b extends in the front-rear direction. That is, the third sliding groove 331b is a long hole. The second support portion 332 is located at a position closer to the inside in the width direction than the first support portion 331 and closer to the front than the first support portion 331. The second support portion 332 includes a support hole 332a penetrating the second support portion 332 in the width direction. The support hole 332 a is formed at a position forward of the third slide groove 331 b . The rail fixing portion 333 extends forward from the front end of the first support portion 331 .

[0159] The connecting shaft 341 is cylindrical. The connecting shaft 341 connects the central part of the long side direction of the first rear link 310 and the central part of the long side direction of the second rear link 320 to each other. In this way, the first rear link 310 and the second rear link 320 can rotate relative to each other around the axis of the connecting shaft 341. The part of the first rear link 310 connected by the connecting shaft 341 and the part of the second rear link 320 connected by the connecting shaft 341 are adjacent in the width direction. That is, the part of the first rear link 310 that transmits power to the second rear link 320 and the part of the second rear link 320 that transmits power from the first rear link 310 are adjacent in the width direction. Here, adjacent in the width direction means that the above-mentioned part of the first rear link 310 and the above-mentioned part of the second rear link 320 are close in the width direction, and there is no other component between the two parts.

[0160] The first link support shaft 342 is cylindrical. The first link support shaft 342 extends from the base end of the first rear link 310 to the inside and outside in the width direction. The first link support shaft 342 is the rotation axis of the first rear link 310. The first link support shaft 342 is supported by the link support portion 330. In detail, both ends of the first link support shaft 342 are received in the third sliding groove 331b of the link support portion 330. At this time, the first rear link 310 is received in the slit 331a of the link support portion 330. In this way, the first rear link 310 can rotate relative to the link support portion 330 around the axis of the first link support shaft 342. Moreover, the first rear link 310 can move relative to the link support portion 330 in the front-rear direction, which is the extension direction of the third sliding groove 331b, together with the first link support shaft 342. In addition, when the first rear link 310 rotates or moves in the front-rear direction, the first link support shaft 342 slides with the inner surface of the third sliding groove 331b. In the following description, the first link support shaft 342 and the first rear link 310 are integrated, and the first link support shaft 342 is also referred to as the first link support shaft 342 of the first rear link 310.

[0161] The second link support shaft 343 is cylindrical. The second link support shaft 343 extends from the base end of the second rear link 320 in the width direction. The second link support shaft 343 is the rotation axis of the second rear link 320. The second link support shaft 343 is supported by the link support portion 330. In detail, both ends of the second link support shaft 343 are received in the support hole 332a of the link support portion 330. In this way, the second rear link 320 can rotate around the axis of the second link support shaft 343 relative to the link support portion 330. On the other hand, unlike the first rear link 310, the second rear link 320 and the second link support shaft 343 cannot move in the front-rear direction relative to the link support portion 330.

[0162] like Fig.17 As shown, the vertical position of the first link support shaft 342 is the same as the vertical position of the second link support shaft 343. That is, when viewed from the width direction, at least a portion of the first link support shaft 342 and the second link support shaft 343 projected backward overlap. Fig.16 As shown, both the first link support shaft 342 and the second link support shaft 343 have a head and a shaft. In this regard, more accurately, it can be said that at least a portion of the shaft of the first link support shaft 342 and the shaft of the second link support shaft 343 projected backward overlap.

[0163] like Fig.17As shown, the rear support portion 300 is fixed to the rear end portion of the guide rail 60. In detail, the rail fixing portion 333 of the link support portion 330 of the rear support portion 300 is fixed to the bottom wall 61 of the guide rail 60. The rear support portion 300 can be fixed using fastening components such as screws or bolts. At this time, the top end portion of the first rear link 310 and the top end portion of the second rear link 320 are arranged between the inner wall 62 and the outer wall 63 of the guide rail 60. On the other hand, the base end portion of the first rear link 310 and the base end portion of the second rear link 320 are arranged below compared to the bottom wall 61 of the guide rail 60. In this regard, it is preferable to provide a through hole or the like in the bottom wall 61 of the guide rail 60 for avoiding interference with the first rear link 310 and the second rear link 320. In addition, although in Fig.17 Although not shown in the figure, the top end of the second rear link 320 supports the fixing bracket 70. At this time, the two guide shafts 323 of the second rear link 140 sandwich the fixing bracket 70 in the width direction.

[0164] like Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the power transmission member 350 of the sunroof device 30A includes a rod 360 and a rear track 370 .

[0165] The rear shoe 370 includes a sliding block 371, a retaining wall 372, and a first sliding shaft 373. The sliding block 371 extends from the rear end of the rod 360 to the outside in the width direction. The retaining wall 372 extends from the rear end of the rod 360. The retaining wall 372 is plate-shaped. The plate thickness direction of the retaining wall 372 is consistent with the width direction. When the retaining wall 372 is viewed from the plate thickness direction, the upper surface of the retaining wall 372 is arc-shaped. The first sliding shaft 373 is cylindrical. The first sliding shaft 373 extends from the retaining wall 372 to the inside in the width direction.

[0166] The power transmission member 350 is accommodated in the guide rail 60. In detail, most of the components of the power transmission member 350 are arranged between the bottom wall 61 and the third inner wall 62c of the guide rail 60 or between the bottom wall 61 and the third outer wall 63c. In this way, the movement of the power transmission member 350 in the direction orthogonal to the long-side direction relative to the guide rail 60 is restricted. The top end portion of the first sliding shaft 373 is accommodated in the first sliding groove 311 of the first rear link 310 of the rear support portion 300. That is, when the power transmission member 350 moves in the front-rear direction, the first sliding shaft 373 slides on the inner surface of the first sliding groove 311.

[0167] The portion of the power transmission member 350 where the first sliding shaft 373 extends and the portion of the first rear link 310 where the first sliding groove 311 is provided are adjacent in the width direction. That is, the portion of the power transmission member 350 where the power is transmitted to the first rear link 310 and the portion of the first rear link 310 where the power is transmitted from the power transmission member 350 are adjacent in the width direction. Here, adjacent in the width direction means that the above-mentioned portion of the power transmission member 350 and the above-mentioned portion of the first rear link 310 are close in the width direction, and no other member exists between the two portions.

[0168] <Function of the Second Embodiment>

[0169] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 , the action of the sunroof device 30A when the movable panel 40 is tilted up will be described.

[0170] When the driving shoe 80 is in the fully closed corresponding position, Fig.17 As shown, the power transmission component 350 is located at the frontmost position within the range of movement in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission component 350 is located near the front end of the first sliding groove 311 of the first rear link 310. In addition, the first link support shaft 342 of the first rear link 310 is located near the front end of the third sliding groove 331b of the link support part 330. Moreover, the first rear link 310 falls down in a manner along the guide rail 60. That is, the first rear link 310 is located in the first dumping position. On the other hand, the second rear link 320 connected to the first rear link 310 via the connecting shaft 341 falls down in a manner along the guide rail 60 in the same manner as the first rear link 310. That is, the second rear link 320 is located in the second dumping position. In addition, the first link support shaft 342 is located rearward compared to the second link support shaft 343.

[0171] In the following description, the angle of the first rear link 310 relative to the guide rail 60, in other words, the angle formed by the long side direction of the guide rail 60 and the long side direction of the first rear link 310, is referred to as the standing angle of the first rear link 310. In addition, the angle of the second rear link 320 relative to the guide rail 60, in other words, the angle formed by the long side direction of the guide rail 60 and the long side direction of the second rear link 320, is referred to as the standing angle of the second rear link 320.

[0172] Through the above, when the driving shoe 80 is located at the fully closed corresponding position, the first rear link 310 is located at the first dumping position, and the second rear link 320 is located at the second dumping position. That is, at the point where the top end of the second rear link 320 is lowered, the rear end of the fixed bracket 70 is lowered. As a result, the movable panel 40 is configured in the fully closed position. In addition, when the first rear link 310 is located at the first dumping position, the first rear link 310 is located below the upper edge of the guide rail 60. Similarly, when the second rear link 320 is located at the second dumping position, the second rear link 320 is located below the upper edge of the guide rail 60.

[0173] In the second embodiment, when the first rear link 310 is located at the first dumped position, the top end portion of the first rear link 310 is located forward of the base end portion of the first rear link 310. Similarly, when the second rear link 320 is located at the second dumped position, the top end portion of the second rear link 320 is located forward of the base end portion of the second rear link 320.

[0174] When the movable panel 40 is tilted from the fully closed position, the actuator 50 moves the driving shoe 80 from the fully closed corresponding position to the tilted corresponding position. Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the power transmission component 350 and the driving shoe 80 move backward together. Then, the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission component 350 slides with the first sliding groove 311 of the first rear link 310. When the first rear link 310 is located at the first dumping position, the first sliding groove 311 is inclined downward relative to the moving direction of the first sliding shaft 373. Therefore, the force to move the first rear link 310 backward and the torque to make the first rear link 310 stand up act on the first rear link 310. That is, the power is transmitted from the power transmission component 350 to the first rear link 310 via the first sliding groove 311 and the first sliding shaft 373.

[0175] However, the first rear link 310 is connected to the second rear link 320 which cannot move in the front-rear direction and can only rotate around the axis of the second link support shaft 343 via the connecting shaft 341. Therefore, the portion of the first rear link 310 connected to the connecting shaft 341 is displaced in the same manner as the portion of the second rear link 320 connected to the connecting shaft 341. Therefore, the front-rear position and the rotation angle of the first rear link 310 are determined by the position of the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission member 350. In addition, since the first rear link 310 and the second rear link 320 are connected by the connecting shaft 341, the rotation angle of the second rear link 320 is also determined by the position of the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission member 350.

[0176] Therefore, the first rear link 310 moves rearward together with the first link support shaft 342 according to the amount of rearward movement of the power transmission component 350, and rotates around the axis of the first link support shaft 342. That is, the first rear link 310 moves rearward and stands up relative to the guide rail 60. Here, when the first rear link 310 moves rearward, the first link support shaft 342 moves toward the rear end of the third sliding groove 331b of the link support portion 330. In addition, the second rear link 320 rotates around the axis of the second link support shaft 343 according to the position change of the connecting shaft 341. That is, the second rear link 320 stands up relative to the guide rail 60. In this way, the rear end of the fixed bracket 70 rises. As a result, the rear end of the movable panel 40 rises.

[0177] like Fig.18 As shown, when the driving shoe 80 moves to the corresponding position of the tilting, the power transmission component 350 moves to the rearmost position within the moving range in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission component 350 moves to the vicinity of the rear end of the first sliding groove 311 of the first rear link 310. As a result, the first link support shaft 342 of the first rear link 310 moves to the vicinity of the rear end of the third sliding groove 331b of the link support portion 330. Moreover, the first rear link 310 becomes the most upright posture relative to the guide rail 60. That is, the first rear link 310 is configured in the first upright position. On the other hand, the second rear link 320 connected to the first rear link 310 via the connecting shaft 341 becomes the most upright posture relative to the guide rail 60 in the same manner as the first rear link 310. That is, the second rear link 320 is configured in the second upright position.

[0178] The standing angle of the second rear link 320 at the second standing position is closer to vertical than the standing angle of the first rear link 310 at the first standing position. In other words, the standing angle of the first rear link 310 at the first standing position is closer to horizontal than the standing angle of the second rear link 320 at the second standing position.

[0179] As described above, when the driving shoe 80 is located at the tilting corresponding position, the first rear link 310 is located at the first upright position, and the second rear link 320 is located at the second upright position. That is, when the top end of the second rear link 320 rises, the rear end of the fixed bracket 70 rises. As a result, the movable panel 40 is arranged at the tilting position.

[0180] The operation of the sunroof device 30A when the movable panel 40 is lowered will be briefly described.

[0181] When the movable panel 40 is lowered from the tilted position, the actuator 50 moves the drive shoe 80 from the tilted corresponding position to the fully closed corresponding position. In this case, the power transmission component 350 and the drive shoe 80 move forward together. Then, the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission component 350 slides with the first sliding groove 311 of the first rear link 310. As a result, the first rear link 310 moves forward together with the first link support shaft 342 and rotates around the axis of the first link support shaft 342. That is, the first rear link 310 moves forward and falls relative to the guide rail 60. In addition, the second rear link 320 rotates around the axis of the second link support shaft 343. That is, the second rear link 320 falls relative to the guide rail 60. In this way, the first rear link 310 is displaced from the first standing position to the first dumping position, and the second rear link 320 is displaced from the second standing position to the second dumping position. As a result, the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully closed position.

[0182] <Effects of the Second Embodiment>

[0183] In addition to the same effects (1-1) and (1-2) as those of the first embodiment, the second embodiment can also obtain the following effects.

[0184] (2-1) A comparative example in which the second rear link 320 supporting the rear end of the movable panel 40 is movable in the front-to-back direction and rotatable. In this case, due to the rotation direction and the movement direction of the second rear link 320 when the drive shoe 80 moves between the fully closed corresponding position and the tilted corresponding position, the amount of movement of the movable panel 40 in the front-to-back direction between the fully closed position and the tilted position may become larger. In this regard, in the sunroof device 30A of the present embodiment, the second rear link 320 cannot move in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, when the drive shoe 80 moves between the fully closed corresponding position and the tilted corresponding position, the amount of movement of the movable panel 40 in the front-to-back direction between the fully closed position and the tilted position is difficult to become larger. Therefore, when the sunroof device 30A moves the movable panel 40 between the fully closed position and the tilted position, it is possible to suppress the amount of movement of the movable panel 40 in the front-to-back direction and to raise and lower the rear end of the movable panel 40.

[0185] (2-2) When the driving shoe 80 moves from the fully closed corresponding position to the tilted corresponding position, the first rear link 310 rotates from the first tilted position to the first upright position. The first rear link 310 rotates because the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission component 350 pushes the first rear link 310 backward, thereby generating a torque on the first rear link 310. Here, the torque generated in the first rear link 310 is the product of the rotation direction component of the first rear link 310 in the force of the first sliding shaft 373 pushing the first rear link 310 and the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft 373 pushes the first rear link 310 to the rotation center of the first rear link 310.

[0186] Therefore, in the case of the comparative example in which the first rear link 310 cannot move in the front-rear direction but can rotate, as the first rear link 310 rotates toward the first standing position, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft 373 pushes the first rear link 310 to the rotation center of the first rear link 310 gradually shortens. That is, in the case of the comparative example, as the first rear link 310 rotates toward the first standing position, the force of the first sliding shaft 373 pushing the first rear link 310 needs to be increased.

[0187] In this regard, in the sunroof device 30A of the present embodiment, the first rear link 310 is movable in the front-rear direction and is rotatable. Therefore, when the first rear link 310 is displaced from the first dumping position to the first standing position, it moves backward and rotates. Therefore, as the first rear link 310 is displaced toward the first standing position, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft 373 pushes the first rear link 310 to the rotation center of the first rear link 310 is difficult to shorten. As a result, as the first rear link 310 is displaced toward the first standing position, it is not necessary to increase the force of the first sliding shaft 373 pushing the first rear link 310. Therefore, the sunroof device 30A can suppress the enlargement of the actuator 50 or the enlargement of the first rear link 310.

[0188] (2-3) When the movable panel 40 is arranged at the tilted position, when a load in the up-down direction acts on the movable panel 40, the load is transmitted to the second rear link 320 supporting the movable panel 40 via the fixing bracket 70. Fig.18As shown, when the movable panel 40 is arranged in the tilted position, the rising angle of the second rear link 320 relative to the long side direction of the guide rail 60 is an angle close to vertical compared with the rising angle of the first rear link 310 relative to the long side direction of the guide rail 60. In detail, the line segment connecting the center of the two guide shafts 323 of the second rear link 320 and the center of the second link support shaft 343 extends in a substantially vertical direction. Therefore, when the above-mentioned load is transmitted to the second rear link 320, it is difficult for the second rear link 320 to generate a torque that rotates the second rear link 320. As a result, when the load in the vertical direction acts on the movable panel 40 arranged in the tilted position, the sunroof device 30A can reduce the torque generated in the second rear link 320.

[0189] (2-4) Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission component 350 pushes the first rear link 310 in the front-rear direction via the first sliding groove 311, thereby rotating the first rear link 310. Fig.17 As shown, when movable panel 40 is in the fully closed position, the front end of first rear link 310 is located forward of the front end of second rear link 320. Therefore, sunroof apparatus 30A can extend first slide groove 311 of first rear link 310 further forward relative to the rotation center of first rear link 310.

[0190] When the vehicle 10 is in motion, an upward load corresponding to the driving speed of the vehicle 10 acts on the movable panel 40. Furthermore, when the movable panel 40 is closed during the driving of the vehicle 10, the upward load acting on the movable panel 40 becomes the maximum when the movable panel 40 moves to the vicinity of the fully closed position. That is, when the movable panel 40 moves to the vicinity of the fully closed position, it is necessary to lower the movable panel 40 on which a large upward load acts. In this regard, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the first sliding groove 311 of the first rear link 310 extends further forward with respect to the rotation center of the first rear link 310 as a reference. Therefore, when the movable panel 40 moves to the fully closed position from the vicinity of the fully closed position, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission member 350 pushes the first rear link 310 to the rotation center of the first rear link 310 becomes longer. Therefore, when the sunroof apparatus 30A displaces the first rear link 310 toward the first tilt position, the force of the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission member 350 pushing the first rear link 310 can be reduced. In other words, the power transmission member 350 can move the first rear link 310 toward the fully closed position with a smaller force.

[0191] (2-5) Fig.17As shown, when the first rear link 310 is located at the first dumping position and the second rear link 320 is located at the second dumping position, the first link support shaft 342 is located rearward compared to the second link support shaft 343. That is, the rotation center of the first rear link 310 is located rearward compared to the rotation center of the second rear link 320. Therefore, when the movable panel 40 moves toward the fully closed position from the vicinity of the fully closed position, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission component 350 pushes the first rear link 310 to the rotation center of the first rear link 310 becomes longer. Therefore, when the sunroof device 30A displaces the first rear link 310 toward the first dumping position, the force of the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission component 350 pushing the first rear link 310 can be further reduced.

[0192] (2-6) Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the entire length of the first rear link 310 is longer than the entire length of the second rear link 320. Therefore, the first sliding groove 311 of the first rear link 310 can be moved away from the rotation center of the first rear link 310. As a result, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission component 350 pushes the first rear link 310 to the rotation center of the first rear link 310 becomes longer. Therefore, the sunroof device 30A can improve the power transmission efficiency from the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission component 350 to the first rear link 310.

[0193] In addition, the rotation angle of the first rear link 310 about the axis of the first link support shaft 342 when the first rear link 310 is displaced from the first tilted position to the first upright position is smaller than the rotation angle of the second rear link 320 about the axis of the second link support shaft 343 when the second rear link 320 is displaced from the second tilted position to the second upright position. Therefore, even if the total length of the first rear link 310 is increased, the first rear link 310 disposed at the first upright position is unlikely to interfere with the movable panel 40 disposed at the tilted position.

[0194] (2-7) Fig.17 As shown, when the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully closed position, the first rear link 310 is located below the upper edge of the guide rail 60. In addition, when the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully closed position, the second rear link 320 is located below the upper edge of the guide rail 60. Therefore, when the sunroof device 30A is arranged in the fully closed position, the increase in the thickness of the device in the vertical direction due to the first rear link 310 and the second rear link 320 can be suppressed.

[0195] (2-8) For example, when the power transmission member 350 is separated from the first rear link 310 in the width direction, the power transmission efficiency from the power transmission member 350 to the first rear link 310 is likely to decrease. In contrast, in the sunroof device 30A of the second embodiment, the power transmission member 350 is adjacent to the portion of the first rear link 310 involved in power transmission in the width direction. Therefore, the sunroof device 30A can suppress the decrease in the power transmission efficiency from the power transmission member 350 to the first rear link 310. Similarly, the sunroof device 30A can suppress the decrease in the power transmission efficiency from the first rear link 310 to the second rear link 320.

[0196] (2-9) When the first link support shaft 342 projected to the rear does not overlap with the second link support shaft 343 when viewed in the width direction, that is, when the position of the first link support shaft 342 in the vertical direction and the position of the second link support shaft 343 in the vertical direction are largely offset, one of the first rear link 310 and the second rear link 320 is arranged to be offset in the vertical direction relative to the other. As a result, the thickness of the device in the vertical direction may increase. In contrast, in the sunroof device 30A of the second embodiment, the lower end of the first link support shaft 342 projected to the rear overlaps with the upper end of the second link support shaft 343. Therefore, the sunroof device 30A can suppress the increase in the thickness of the device in the vertical direction due to the positional relationship between the first rear link 310 and the second rear link 320.

[0197] (2-10) The rear support portion 300 includes a link support portion 330 that supports the first link support shaft 342 and the second link support shaft 343. Therefore, when manufacturing the sunroof device 30A, the first link support shaft 342, the second link support shaft 343, the first rear link 310, and the second rear link 320 can be assembled to the link support portion 330 in advance. In this case, by fixing the link support portion 330 to the guide rail 60, the first link support shaft 342, the second link support shaft 343, the first rear link 310, and the second rear link 320 are positioned relative to the guide rail 60. In this way, the sunroof device 30A can improve the manufacturing efficiency of the device.

[0198] <Third Embodiment>

[0199] The sunroof device 30B involved in the third embodiment is described. The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment mainly in the structure of the rear support portion 400. Therefore, the structure different from the second embodiment is described in detail, and the same symbols or the same names are marked on the structure common to the second embodiment and the description is omitted. In addition, in the third embodiment, the structure equivalent to the first sliding shaft 373 of the power transmission component 350 in the second embodiment is set as the transmission shaft 374.

[0200] <Structure of the Third Embodiment>

[0201] like Fig.19 As shown, the rear support portion 400 of the sunroof device 30B includes: a first rear link 410, a second rear link 420, a link support portion 430, a second sliding shaft 441, a third sliding shaft 442, and a second link support shaft 443. The first rear link 410 and the second rear link 420 are structures that rotate together around an axis extending in the width direction. In this regard, in the first rear link 410 and the second rear link 420, the end close to the rotation center is called a base end portion, and the end close to the side opposite to the base end portion is called a top end portion.

[0202] The first rear link 410 is in the shape of a flat plate. The plate thickness direction of the first rear link 410 is consistent with the width direction. The first rear link 410 has a second sliding groove 412 and a third sliding groove 413 that penetrate the first rear link 410 in the plate thickness direction. The second sliding groove 412 is closer to the top end than the base end of the first rear link 410. The second sliding groove 412 includes a first portion 412a and a second portion 412b. Fig.19 In the state shown, the first portion 412a extends in the front-to-back direction, and the second portion 412b extends forward from the front end of the first portion 412a. In detail, the second portion 412b is inclined in a manner that it moves toward the upper side as it moves forward. The third sliding groove 413 is located below the second sliding groove 412. The third sliding groove 413 is slightly inclined in a manner that it moves toward the lower side as it moves forward. The interval between the first portion 412a of the second sliding groove 412 and the third sliding groove 413 is approximately constant. On the other hand, the interval between the second portion 412b of the second sliding groove 412 and the third sliding groove 413 increases as it approaches the base end portion of the first rear link 410. The second rear link 420 has the same structure as the second rear link 320 involved in the second embodiment.

[0203] The second sliding shaft 441 is cylindrical. The second sliding shaft 441 extends from the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the second rear link 420 in the width direction. The top end portion of the second sliding shaft 441 is received in the second sliding groove 412 of the first rear link 410. In this regard, the second sliding shaft 441 can slide with the inner surface of the second sliding groove 412 of the first rear link 410. The third sliding shaft 442 and the second link support shaft 443 are cylindrical.

[0204] The third sliding shaft 442 and the second link support shaft 443 are supported on the link support portion 430. The third sliding shaft 442 and the second link support shaft 443 extend in the width direction. The third sliding shaft 442 is located in front of the second link support shaft 443. The top end of the third sliding shaft 442 is received in the third sliding groove 413 of the first rear link 410. Therefore, the third sliding shaft 442 can slide with the inner surface of the third sliding groove 413 of the first rear link 410. The second link support shaft 443 is the rotation axis of the second rear link 420. The second link support shaft 443 penetrates the base end of the second rear link 420 in the width direction. Therefore, the second rear link 420 cannot move in the front-rear direction and can rotate around the axis of the second link support shaft 443.

[0205] The transmission shaft 374 of the power transmission member 350 is cylindrical and extends inward in the width direction from the rear end of the power transmission member 350. The transmission shaft 374 is a structure for transmitting the power of the power transmission member 350 to the first rear link 410 and is a rotation axis of the first rear link 410.

[0206] The rear support portion 400 is fixed to the rear end portion of the guide rail 60. At this time, the first rear link 410 and the second rear link 420 are arranged between the inner wall 62 and the outer wall 63 of the guide rail 60. It is preferred to provide a through hole in the bottom wall 61 of the guide rail 60 for the purpose of avoiding interference between the first rear link 410 and the second rear link 420. The transmission shaft 374 of the power transmission component 350 penetrates the front end portion of the first rear link 410 in the width direction. In this way, the first rear link 410 can rotate relative to the power transmission component 350 around the axis of the transmission shaft 374. In addition, although Fig.17 Although not shown in the figure, the front end portion of the second rear link 420 supports the fixing bracket 70 similarly to the second rear link 320 according to the second embodiment.

[0207] exist Fig.19 In the illustrated state, the second rear link 420 is located rearward of the axis of the transmission shaft 374, which is the rotation center of the first rear link 410. In this regard, the second link support shaft 443 is located rearward of the transmission shaft 374. In addition, the second link support shaft 443, which is the rotation center of the second rear link 420, is located rearward of the top end portion of the first rear link 410.

[0208] <Function of the third embodiment>

[0209] Reference Fig.19 and Fig. 20 , the action of the sunroof device 30B when the movable panel 40 is tilted up will be described.

[0210] When the driving shoe 80 is in the fully closed corresponding position, Fig.19As shown, the power transmission component 350 is located at the frontmost position within the range of movement in the front-rear direction. That is, the first rear link 410 connected to the transmission shaft 374 of the power transmission component 350 is located at the frontmost position within the range of movement in the front-rear direction. The third sliding shaft 442 is located near the rear end of the third sliding groove 413 of the first rear link 410. Moreover, the first rear link 410 falls down along the guide rail 60. That is, the first rear link 410 is located in the first dumping position. On the other hand, the second rear link 420 connected to the first rear link 410 via the second sliding shaft 441 falls down along the guide rail 60 in the same manner as the first rear link 410. That is, the second rear link 420 is located in the second dumping position.

[0211] Through the above, when the driving shoe 80 is located at the fully closed corresponding position, the first rear link 410 is located at the first dumping position, and the second rear link 420 is located at the second dumping position. That is, at this point that the top end of the second rear link 420 descends, the rear end of the fixed bracket 70 descends. As a result, the movable panel 40 is configured in the fully closed position. In the third embodiment, when the first rear link 410 is located at the first dumping position, the top end of the first rear link 410 is located at the rear compared to the base end of the first rear link 410. On the other hand, when the second rear link 420 is located at the second dumping position, the top end of the second rear link 420 is located at the front compared to the base end of the second rear link 420.

[0212] When the movable panel 40 is tilted from the fully closed position, the actuator 50 moves the driving shoe 80 from the fully closed corresponding position to the tilted corresponding position. Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown, the power transmission component 350 moves backward together with the driving shoe 80. That is, the first rear link 410 moves backward together with the transmission shaft 374 of the power transmission component 350. Then, the second sliding groove 412 of the first rear link 410 slides with the second sliding shaft 441 of the second rear link 420, and the third sliding groove 413 of the first rear link 410 slides with the third sliding shaft 442 of the link support 430. At this time, the second sliding shaft 441 slides with the second part 412b of the second sliding groove 412 after sliding with the first part 412a of the second sliding groove 412.

[0213] exist Fig.19In the state shown, the first portion 412a of the second sliding groove 412 and the third sliding groove 413 extend in a direction substantially the same as the moving direction of the transmission shaft 374 of the power transmission member 350. Therefore, when the second sliding shaft 441 slides with the first portion 412a of the second sliding groove 412 and the third sliding shaft 442 slides with the third sliding groove 413, the posture of the first rear link 410 does not substantially change. Therefore, the posture of the second rear link 420 connected to the first rear link 410 via the second sliding shaft 441 also does not substantially change.

[0214] exist Fig.19 In the state shown, the second portion 412b of the second sliding groove 412 extends in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the transmission shaft 374 of the power transmission member 350. Therefore, when the second sliding shaft 441 slides with the second portion 412b of the second sliding groove 412 and the third sliding shaft 442 slides with the third sliding groove 413, the posture of the first rear link 410 changes greatly. That is, the first rear link 410 is displaced based on the power transmitted from the power transmission member 350 via the transmission shaft 374 and the force transmitted from the link support portion 430 via the sliding of the third sliding shaft 442 and the third sliding groove 413. In addition, the posture of the second rear link 420 connected to the first rear link 410 via the second sliding shaft 441 also changes greatly. That is, the second rear link 420 is displaced based on the power transmitted from the first rear link 410 via the sliding of the second sliding shaft 441 and the second sliding groove 412.

[0215] Here, since the second sliding shaft 441 extends from the second rear link 420 in the width direction, the direction in which the second sliding shaft 441 can move is limited to the direction along the arc centered on the axis of the second link support shaft 443. Therefore, when the second sliding shaft 441 slides with the second portion 412b of the second sliding groove 412 of the first rear link 410, both the posture of the first rear link 410 and the posture of the second rear link 420 change. In detail, the first rear link 410 moves backward and rotates around the axis of the transmission shaft 374 of the power transmission component 350. That is, the first rear link 410 moves backward and stands up relative to the guide rail 60. In addition, the second rear link 420 rotates around the axis of the second link support shaft 443. That is, the second rear link 420 stands up relative to the guide rail 60. In this way, the rear end of the fixed bracket 70 rises. As a result, the rear end of the movable panel 40 rises.

[0216] like Fig. 20As shown, when the driving shoe 80 moves to the corresponding position of the tilting, the power transmission component 350 moves to the rearmost position within the moving range in the front-to-back direction. That is, the first rear link 410 moves to the rearmost position within the moving range in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the second sliding shaft 441 moves to the vicinity of the front end of the second portion 412b of the second sliding groove 412, and the third sliding shaft 442 moves relatively to the vicinity of the front end of the third sliding groove 413. As a result, the first rear link 410 becomes the most upright posture relative to the guide rail 60. That is, the first rear link 410 is configured in the first upright position. Similarly, the second rear link 420 becomes the most upright posture relative to the guide rail 60. That is, the second rear link 420 is configured in the second upright position.

[0217] As described above, when the driving shoe 80 is located at the tilting corresponding position, the first rear link 410 is located at the first upright position, and the second rear link 420 is located at the second upright position. That is, when the top end of the second rear link 420 rises, the rear end of the fixed bracket 70 rises. As a result, the movable panel 40 is configured at the tilting position.

[0218] The operation of the sunroof device 30B when the movable panel 40 is lowered will be briefly described.

[0219] When the movable panel 40 is lowered from the tilted position, the actuator 50 moves the drive shoe 80 from the tilted corresponding position to the fully closed corresponding position. In this case, the power transmission component 350 and the drive shoe 80 move forward together. That is, the first rear link 410 and the transmission shaft 374 of the power transmission component 350 move forward together. Then, the second sliding shaft 441 of the second rear link 420 slides with the second sliding groove 412 of the second rear link 420, and the third sliding shaft 442 of the link support part 430 slides with the third sliding groove 413 of the first rear link 410. As a result, the first rear link 410 moves forward and rotates in a manner of falling down with the axis of the transmission shaft 374 as the center. In addition, the second rear link 420 rotates in a manner of falling down with the axis of the second link support shaft 443 as the center. Thus, the first rear link 410 is displaced from the first standing position to the first tilted position, and the second rear link 420 is displaced from the second standing position to the second tilted position. As a result, the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully closed position.

[0220] <Effects of the Third Embodiment>

[0221] The third embodiment can obtain the following effects in addition to the same effects as the effects (1-1), (1-2), and (2-1) of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0222] (3-1) When the movable panel 40 is moved from the tilted position to the fully open position, the front support portion 90 is moved rearward by the drive shoe 80. When the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully open position, the front support portion 90 is closest to the second rear link 420. In other words, when the movable panel 40 is moved from the tilted position to the fully open position, the greater the amount of rearward movement of the front support portion 90 is, the greater the roof opening 25 can be opened.

[0223] In this regard, in the third embodiment, the second rear link 420 is located rearward of the transmission shaft 374, which is the rotation center of the first rear link 410. That is, the second link support shaft 443, which is the rotation shaft of the second rear link 420, is also located rearward of the transmission shaft 374, which is the rotation center of the first rear link 410. In this regard, the second rear link 420 is located near the rear end of the sunroof device 30B. Therefore, the sunroof device 30B can increase the amount of movement of the front support portion 90 to the rear when the movable panel 40 is opened toward the fully opened position, in that the second rear link 420 can be arranged near the rear end of the sunroof device 30B. In this way, the sunroof device 30B can greatly open the roof opening 25 when the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully opened position.

[0224] In addition, when the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully open position, the distance between the front support portion 90 and the second rear link 420 in the front-rear direction becomes longer. Therefore, the position of the movable panel 40 supported by the second rear link 420 can be made closer to the rear end of the movable panel 40. As a result, the posture of the movable panel 40 arranged in the fully open position is stabilized.

[0225] (3-2) The first rear link 410 has the second sliding groove 412 and the third sliding groove 413, but other components of the rear support 400 do not have sliding grooves. That is, the sunroof device 30B can simplify the components of other rear support 400 by integrating two sliding grooves into the first rear link 410.

[0226] <Fourth embodiment>

[0227] A sunroof device 30C according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the structure of the rear support portion 500. Therefore, the structures different from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and the same symbols or the same names will be given to the structures common to the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted.

[0228] <Structure of Fourth Embodiment>

[0229] like Fig.21As shown, the rear support portion 500 of the sunroof device 30C includes a first rear link 510 , a second rear link 520 , a link support portion 530 , a connecting shaft 541 , a first link support shaft 542 , and a second link support shaft 543 .

[0230] The first rear link 510 is in the shape of a rectangular plate. The plate thickness direction of the first rear link 510 is consistent with the width direction. The first rear link 510 has a first sliding groove 511 that penetrates the first rear link 510 in the width direction. When viewed from the width direction, the first sliding groove 511 extends in a straight line. Fig.21 In the state shown, the first slide groove 511 is directed downward as it moves backward. That is, the first slide groove 511 is inclined with respect to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0231] In the following description, Fig.21 In the state shown, the portion that will become the lower end of the first rear link 510 is called a base end portion, and the portion that will become the front end portion of the first rear link 510 is called a tip end portion. The second rear link 520 has a substantially same structure as the second rear link 320 involved in the second embodiment. In this regard, in the second rear link 520, the end portion closer to the rotation center is called a base end portion, and the end portion on the side opposite to the base end portion is called a tip end portion.

[0232] The link support part 530 is in the shape of a flat plate. The plate thickness direction of the link support part 530 is consistent with the width direction. The link support part 530 has a third sliding groove 531 that penetrates the link support part 530 in the width direction. When viewed from the width direction, the third sliding groove 531 extends in an arc shape. In detail, the third sliding groove 531 is curved in a manner that it is directed upward as it moves backward.

[0233] The connecting shaft 541 is cylindrical. The axial direction of the connecting shaft 541 is consistent with the width direction. The connecting shaft 541 connects the top end of the first rear link 510 and the middle part of the second rear link 520 in the longitudinal direction. In this way, the first rear link 510 and the second rear link 520 can rotate relative to each other around the axis of the connecting shaft 541.

[0234] The first link support shaft 542 is cylindrical. The first link support shaft 542 extends from the base end of the first rear link 510 in the width direction. The first link support shaft 542 is the rotation axis of the first rear link 510. The first link support shaft 542 is supported by the link support portion 530. In detail, the top end of the first link support shaft 542 is received in the third sliding groove 531 of the link support portion 530. In this way, the first rear link 510 can rotate relative to the link support portion 530 around the axis of the first link support shaft 542. Moreover, the first rear link 510 can move relative to the link support portion 530 in the extension direction of the third sliding groove 531 together with the first link support shaft 542. In addition, when the first rear link 510 rotates or moves along the third sliding groove 531, the first link support shaft 542 slides on the inner surface of the third sliding groove 531.

[0235] The second link support shaft 543 is cylindrical and extends from the base end of the second rear link 520 to the inside and outside in the width direction. The second link support shaft 543 is a rotation axis of the second rear link 520.

[0236] The engagement relationship between the guide rail 60 , the rear support portion 500 , and the power transmission member 200 will be described.

[0237] The link support portion 530 of the rear support portion 500 is fixed to the rear end portion of the guide rail 60. At this time, the first rear link 510 and the second rear link 520 are arranged between the inner wall 62 and the outer wall 63 of the guide rail 60. It is preferable to provide a through hole in the bottom wall 61 of the guide rail 60 for the purpose of avoiding interference between the first rear link 510 and the second rear link 520. Fig.21 Although not shown in the figure, the front end portion of the second rear link 520 supports the fixing bracket 70 similarly to the second rear link 320 according to the second embodiment.

[0238] The power transmission component 200 is housed in the guide rail 60 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The top end portion of the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 is housed in the first sliding groove 511 of the first rear link 510. In this way, when the power transmission component 200 moves in the front-to-rear direction, the first sliding shaft 225 slides with the inner surface of the first sliding groove 511 of the first rear link 510. The second link support shaft 543 of the second rear link 520 is clamped by the power transmission component 200 and the bottom wall 61 of the guide rail 60 in the up-down direction. At this time, the two ends of the second link support shaft 543 are respectively housed in the first recess 226 and the second recess 227 of the power transmission component 200. In this way, the second rear link 520 can move in the front-to-rear direction together with the power transmission component 200. In addition, the second rear link 520 can rotate relative to the power transmission component 200 around the axis of the second link support shaft 543. Fig.21In the illustrated state, the second link support shaft 543 is located forward of the connecting shaft 541 and the first sliding shaft 225. In addition, the connecting shaft 541 is located forward of the first sliding shaft 225.

[0239] <Function of the Fourth Embodiment>

[0240] Reference Fig.21 and Fig. 22 , the action of the sunroof device 30C when the movable panel 40 is tilted up will be described.

[0241] When the driving shoe 80 is in the fully closed corresponding position, Fig.21 As shown, the power transmission component 200 is located at the frontmost position within the range of movement in the front-rear direction. In addition, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 is located near the upper end of the first sliding groove 511 of the first rear link 510. On the other hand, the first link support shaft 542 of the first rear link 510 is located near the front end of the third sliding groove 531 of the link support portion 530. Moreover, the top end of the first rear link 510 is lowered. In the following description, Fig.21 The position of the first rear link 510 shown is referred to as the "first lowered position". On the other hand, the second rear link 520 is located at the frontmost position within the range of movement in the front-rear direction. In addition, at the point where the connecting shaft 541 is lowered, the second rear link 520 falls down along the guide rail 60. That is, the second rear link 520 is located at the second dumped position.

[0242] Through the above, when the driving shoe 80 is located at the fully closed corresponding position, the first rear link 510 is located at the first descending position, and the second rear link 520 is located at the second dumping position. That is, at the point where the top end of the second rear link 520 descends, the rear end of the fixed bracket 70 descends. As a result, the movable panel 40 is configured in the fully closed position. In the fourth embodiment, when the first rear link 510 is located at the first descending position, the top end of the first rear link 510 is located in front of the base end of the first rear link 510. On the other hand, when the second rear link 520 is located at the second dumping position, the top end of the second rear link 520 is located behind the base end of the second rear link 520.

[0243] When the movable panel 40 is tilted from the fully closed position, the actuator 50 moves the driving shoe 80 from the fully closed corresponding position to the tilted corresponding position. In this case, the power transmission member 200 and the driving shoe 80 move backward together. Fig.21 and Fig. 22As shown, the portion of the first rear link 510 that contacts the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission member 200 moves rearward together with the power transmission member 200. On the other hand, the second link support shaft 543 of the second rear link 520 moves rearward together with the power transmission member 200.

[0244] The first rear link 510 is relatively movable with respect to the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200, and is movable with respect to the third sliding groove 531 of the link support portion 530. On the other hand, the second rear link 520 is rotatable about the axis of the second link support shaft 543 relative to the power transmission component 200. However, the first rear link 510 and the second rear link 520 are connected to each other via the connecting shaft 541. Therefore, the portion of the first rear link 510 connected to the connecting shaft 541 and the portion of the second rear link 520 connected to the connecting shaft 541 are displaced in the same manner. Therefore, the front-rear position and the rotation angle of the first rear link 510 and the front-rear position and the rotation angle of the second rear link 520 are undoubtedly determined according to the position of the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200.

[0245] Therefore, the first rear link 510 moves backward and rotates together with the first link support shaft 542 according to the movement of the power transmission component 200 to the rear. At this time, the engagement relationship between the first sliding groove 511 of the first rear link 510 and the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 changes. In detail, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 moves relatively toward the lower end of the first sliding groove 511 of the first rear link 510. In addition, the first link support shaft 542 of the first rear link 510 moves toward the rear end of the third sliding groove 531 of the link support part 530. On the other hand, the second rear link 520 moves backward and rotates together with the second link support shaft 543 according to the movement of the power transmission component 200 to the rear. In detail, the second rear link 520 moves backward and stands up relative to the guide rail 60. In this way, the rear end of the fixed bracket 70 rises. As a result, the rear end of the movable panel 40 rises.

[0246] like Fig. 22As shown, when the driving shoe 80 moves to the corresponding tilting position, the power transmission component 200 moves to the rearmost position within the moving range in the front-to-rear direction. In this way, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 moves relatively to the vicinity of the lower end of the first sliding groove 511 of the first rear link 510. In other words, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 moves relatively to the end of the first sliding groove 511 of the first rear link 510 that is close to the first link support shaft 542. In addition, the first link support shaft 542 of the first rear link 510 moves to the vicinity of the rear end of the third sliding groove 531 of the link support portion 530. Moreover, the top end portion of the first rear link 510 rises the most. In the following description, Fig. 22 The position of the first rear link 510 shown is referred to as the "first raised position". On the other hand, the second rear link 520 moves to the rearmost position within the range of movement in the front-rear direction. In addition, the second rear link 520 is in the most upright position relative to the guide rail 60. That is, the second rear link 520 is arranged in the second upright position.

[0247] As described above, when the driving shoe 80 is located at the tilting corresponding position, the first rear link 510 is located at the first rising position, and the second rear link 520 is located at the second standing position. That is, when the top end of the second rear link 520 rises, the rear end of the fixed bracket 70 rises. As a result, the movable panel 40 is arranged at the tilting position.

[0248] The operation of the sunroof device 30C when the movable panel 40 is lowered will be briefly described.

[0249] When the movable panel 40 is lowered from the tilted position, the actuator 50 moves the drive shoe 80 from the tilted corresponding position to the fully closed corresponding position. In this case, the power transmission component 200 and the drive shoe 80 move forward together. As a result, the first rear link 510 and the second rear link 520 move forward together with the power transmission component 200. At this time, the first sliding shaft 225 of the power transmission component 200 slides with the first sliding groove 511 of the first rear link 510, and the first link support shaft 542 of the first rear link 510 slides with the third sliding groove 531 of the link support part 530. In addition, the connecting shaft 541 connecting the first rear link 510 and the second rear link 520 is lowered. As a result, the first rear link 510 moves forward and rotates. On the other hand, the second rear link 520 moves forward and rotates around the axis of the second link support shaft 543. Thus, the first rear link 510 is displaced from the first raised position to the first lowered position, and the second rear link 520 is displaced from the second raised position to the second tilted position. As a result, the movable panel 40 is arranged in the fully closed position.

[0250] <Effects of the Fourth Embodiment>

[0251] The fourth embodiment can obtain the following effects in addition to the same effects as the effects (1-1), (1-2), and (1-17) of the first embodiment.

[0252] (4-1) The first rear link 510 is displaced between the first lowered position and the first raised position by moving in the front-to-back direction and rotating around an axis extending in the width direction. Similarly, the second rear link 520 is displaced between the second dumped position and the second raised position by moving in the front-to-back direction and rotating around an axis extending in the width direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the first rear link 510 and the second rear link 520 have only rotational freedom, the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectory of the first rear link 510 and the second rear link 520 when the power transmission component 200 moves in the front-to-back direction is increased.

[0253] <Change Example>

[0254] The above-mentioned multiple embodiments can be implemented by changing as follows. The multiple embodiments and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the range that there is no technical contradiction.

[0255] In the first embodiment, the extension direction of the first sliding groove 131 of the first rear link 110 can be appropriately changed. Similarly, the extension direction of the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110 can be appropriately changed. As an example, the first sliding groove 131 and the second sliding groove 134 can extend in a straight line or in a curved manner. According to the extension direction of the first sliding groove 131 and the extension direction of the second sliding groove 134, when the driving shoe 80 moves backward from the fully closed corresponding position, the power transmission component 200 can displace the second rear link 140 without displacing the first rear link 110. In addition, the power transmission component 200 can displace the first rear link 110 without displacing the second rear link 140.

[0256] In the first embodiment, the first rear link 110 may be a metal plate that is not covered with a resin material. In this case, the first sliding groove 131 and the second sliding groove 134 preferably penetrate the first rear link 110 in the plate thickness direction.

[0257] In the first embodiment, the first rear link 110 may include a structure corresponding to the first sliding shaft 225. In this case, the power transmission member 200 preferably includes a structure corresponding to the first sliding groove 131.

[0258] In the second embodiment, the first rear link 310 may include a structure corresponding to the first sliding shaft 373. In this case, the power transmission member 350 preferably includes a structure corresponding to the first sliding groove 311.

[0259] In the first embodiment, the first rear link 110 may include a structure corresponding to the second sliding shaft 147. In this case, the second rear link 140 preferably includes a structure corresponding to the second sliding groove 134.

[0260] In the third embodiment, the first rear link 410 may include a structure corresponding to the third sliding shaft 442. In this case, the link support portion 430 preferably includes a structure corresponding to the third sliding groove 413.

[0261] In the first embodiment, the first rear link 110 may have its top end positioned rearward relative to its base end when in the first dumped position. Similarly, the second rear link 140 may have its top end positioned forward relative to its base end when in the second dumped position.

[0262] In the first embodiment, the first rear link 110 may have the first slide groove 131 and the second slide groove 134 on one side in the width direction. In this case, the retaining wall 223 of the power transmission member 200 and the second rear link 140 are preferably arranged on one side of the first rear link 110 in the width direction.

[0263] In the first embodiment, the second sliding groove 134 of the first rear link 110 may not include the longitudinal groove 134 b .

[0264] In the first embodiment, the longitudinal groove 134 b of the first rear link 110 may not penetrate the second rib 122 .

[0265] In the second embodiment, the standing angle of the second rear link 320 located at the second standing position may also be smaller than the standing angle of the first rear link 310 located at the first standing position.

[0266] In the second embodiment, the full length of the first rear link 310 may be less than the full length of the second rear link 320. In this case, the rotation angle of the first rear link 310 from the first dumped position to the first standing position may be greater than the rotation angle of the second rear link 320 from the second dumped position to the second standing position.

[0267] In the first embodiment, the engagement protrusion 148 of the second rear link 140 may be hemispherical. In this case, the engagement recess 125 of the first rear link 110 is preferably hemispherically recessed.

[0268] In the first embodiment, the first rear link 110 may include a structure corresponding to the engagement convex portion 148. In this case, the second rear link 140 preferably includes a structure corresponding to the engagement concave portion 125.

[0269] In the first embodiment, the first rear link 110 may not include the engaging recessed portion 125 , and the second rear link 140 may not include the engaging protruding portion 148 .

[0270] In the first embodiment, when the first rear link 110 is arranged in the first dumped position, the top end portion of the first rear link 110 may protrude upward from the upper edge of the guide rail 60. Similarly, when the second rear link 140 is arranged in the second dumped position, the top end portion of the second rear link 140 may protrude upward from the upper edge of the guide rail 60. However, such a protruding amount is preferably extremely small.

[0271] In the first embodiment, the link support portion 150 may protrude upward from the upper edge of the guide rail 60. In this case, the rotation axis of the second rear link 140 may protrude upward from the upper edge of the guide rail 60. In addition, the link support portion 150 may protrude downward from the lower edge of the guide rail 60. In this case, the rotation axis of the second rear link 140 may protrude downward from the lower edge of the guide rail 60. The same is true in other embodiments.

[0272] In the first embodiment, the second rear link 140 can move in the front-to-back direction, but in a modified example, the moving direction of the second rear link 140 may not be the front-to-back direction. For example, the moving direction of the second rear link 140 may be the up-down direction, the width direction, or other directions. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the first rear link 310 can move in the front-to-back direction, but in a modified example, the moving direction of the first rear link 310 may not be the front-to-back direction. For example, the moving direction of the first rear link 310 may be the up-down direction, the width direction, or other directions.

[0273] In the first embodiment, the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 can rotate around an axis extending in the width direction, but may not move in any direction such as the front-rear direction. In this case, the first rear link is preferably configured to be rotatable by sliding with a sliding shaft of a power transmission component, and the second rear link is preferably configured to be rotatable according to the rotation of the first rear link.

[0274] In the first embodiment, the sunroof device 30 only needs to be able to move the movable panel 40 between the fully closed position and the tilted position. That is, the sunroof device 30 may not have a structure for arranging the movable panel 40 in the fully open position. The same is true in other embodiments.

[0275] [Summary of the present embodiment]

[0276] This embodiment has at least the following structures.

[0277] The sunroof device 30, 30A, 30B, 30C of the present embodiment comprises: a movable panel 40 configured to be displaced between a fully closed position and a tilted position, wherein the fully closed position is a position in which the roof opening 25 of the vehicle 10 is fully closed, and the tilted position is a position in which the rear end of the movable panel is raised compared to the fully closed position; a guide rail 60 extending in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 10; a rear support portion 100, 300, 400, 500, which is arranged at a position closer to the rear end than the front end close to the guide rail 60 and supports the movable panel 40; and a power transmission component 200, 350, which is configured to move along the guide rail 60 in the front-to-rear direction, wherein the rear support portion 100, 300, 400, 500 is arranged at a position closer to the rear end than the front end close to the guide rail 60 and supports the movable panel 40. 0, 300, 400, 500 comprises: a first rear link 110, 310, 410, 510, which is configured to rotate around an axis extending in the width direction of the vehicle 10; and a second rear link 140, 320, 420, 520, which is configured to rotate around an axis extending in the width direction while supporting the movable panel 40, the first rear link 110, 310, 410, 510 is configured to rotate based on the power transmitted from the power transmission component 200, 350, and the second rear link 140, 320, 420, 520 is configured to rotate according to the rotation of the first rear link 110, 310, 410, 510 to displace the movable panel 40.

[0278] In the sunroof device, the power transmission component rotates the first rear link. In addition, the first rear link rotates the second rear link. Therefore, compared with a comparative example in which the power transmission component directly rotates the second rear link, the sunroof device can increase the rotation amount of the second rear link without increasing the load of the power transmission component. Therefore, even when the second rear link is lowered along the guide rail when the movable panel is configured in the fully closed position and the movable panel is configured in the tilted position, the sunroof device can still make the second rear link stand up from the guide rail. Therefore, the sunroof device can reduce the thickness of the device in the vertical direction when the movable panel is configured in the fully closed position.

[0279] Preferably, at least one of the first rear link 110, 310, 410, 510 and the second rear link 140, 320, 420, 520 is configured to move and rotate in the moving direction of the power transmission component 200, 350 when the power transmission component 200, 350 moves in the front-rear direction.

[0280] In the case where the first rear link and the second rear link have only the rotational freedom, the movement amount of the second rear link tends to become smaller. In contrast, in the sunroof device of the present embodiment, at least one of the first rear link and the second rear link has the freedom to move in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the sunroof device of the present embodiment can make the movement amount of the second rear link larger. As a result, when the sunroof device of the present embodiment is configured to the tilting position, it is easy to ensure the rising amount of the rear end portion of the movable panel.

[0281] Preferably, the rear supporting portion 100 has: a first link supporting shaft 123, which is the rotation axis of the first rear link 110, and the extension direction of the axis is the width direction; and a second link supporting shaft 144; 145, which is arranged in front of the first link supporting shaft 123 and is the rotation axis of the second rear link 140, and the extension direction of the axis is the width direction, and the sunroof device is configured such that when the power transmission component 200 moves in the front-to-back direction, the first link supporting shaft 123 does not move in the moving direction of the power transmission component 200, and the first rear link 110 rotates; the second link supporting shafts 144, 145 do not move in the moving direction of the power transmission component 200, and the second rear link 140 rotates.

[0282] In the sunroof device, when the power transmission component moves in the front-rear direction, force is transmitted to the second rear link from both the power transmission component and the first rear link. That is, two forces act on the second rear link. Therefore, when designing the sunroof device, the second rear link can be easily rotated by adjusting the position where the power transmission component causes the force to act on the second rear link and the position where the first rear link causes the force to act on the second rear link.

[0283] Preferably, the position of the second rear link 140 when the movable panel 40 is configured in the fully closed position is the second tilted position, and the position of the second rear link 140 when the movable panel 40 is configured in the tilted position is the second upright position, the position of the first rear link 110 when the second rear link 140 is configured in the second tilted position is the first tilted position, and the position of the first rear link 110 when the second rear link 140 is configured in the second upright position is the first upright position, and one of the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 has a widthwise direction. The first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 have a sliding shaft 147 extending therefrom, and the other of the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 has a sliding groove 134 for sliding the sliding shaft 147, the first rear link 110 is configured to displace between the first tilted position and the first upright position based on the power transmitted from the power transmission component 200, and the second rear link 140 is configured to displace between the second tilted position and the second upright position based on the power transmitted from the power transmission component 200 and the power transmitted from the first rear link 110 via sliding of the sliding shaft 147 and the sliding groove 134.

[0284] In the sunroof device, when the movable panel is displaced from the fully closed position to the tilted position, the power transmission component is driven. And based on the power transmitted from the power transmission component, the first rear link is displaced from the first tilted position to the first upright position, and the second rear link is displaced from the second tilted position to the second upright position. That is, the first rear link and the second rear link are erected relative to the guide rail. As a result, the movable panel is displaced to the tilted position by the portion of the movable panel supported by the second rear link rising. Here, the amount of the second rear link being erected, in other words, the amount of the movable panel being tilted is related to the engagement relationship between the sliding shaft and the sliding groove in the first rear link and the second rear link.

[0285] When the movable panel is configured in the fully closed position, the first rear link is located at a first tilted position that is tilted down relative to the guide rail. In this case, the amount of the first rear link protruding upward relative to the guide rail becomes smaller. On the other hand, when the movable panel is configured in the fully open position, the first rear link is located at a first upright position that is upright relative to the guide rail. In this case, the amount of the first rear link protruding upward relative to the guide rail becomes larger. That is, the sunroof device can increase the amount of the second rear link supporting the movable panel at the second upright position in that it is easy to configure the engaging position of the first rear link and the second rear link via the sliding shaft and the sliding groove upward. In this way, the sunroof device can ensure the amount of warping of the movable panel and reduce the thickness of the device in the up-and-down direction.

[0286] Preferably, the sliding shaft 147 is a second sliding shaft 147, the sliding groove 134 is a second sliding groove 134, the power transmission component 200 has a first sliding shaft 225 extending along the width direction, the first rear link 110 has a first sliding groove 131 for sliding the first sliding shaft 225, and the first rear link 110 is configured to displace between the first dumping position and the first standing position based on the power transmitted from the power transmission component 200 via sliding of the first sliding shaft 225 and the first sliding groove 131.

[0287] The sunroof device can have a structure for transmitting power from the first rear link to the second rear link and a structure for transmitting power from the power transmission member to the first rear link that are the same structure.

[0288] In addition, since the power transmission component is a component that moves approximately in the front-rear direction, when a structure equivalent to the first sliding groove is provided in the power transmission component, the thickness of the power transmission component in the vertical direction tends to increase. In contrast, in the sunroof device of the present embodiment, the power transmission component has a first sliding shaft, and the first rear link has a first sliding groove. Therefore, the sunroof device of the present embodiment can suppress the increase in the thickness of the device in the vertical direction.

[0289] Preferably, the portion of the power transmission component 200 that transmits power to the first rear link 110 is adjacent to the portion of the first rear link 110 to which the power is transmitted from the power transmission component 200 in the width direction, the portion of the power transmission component 200 that transmits power to the second rear link 140 is adjacent to the portion of the second rear link 140 to which the power is transmitted from the power transmission component 200 in the width direction, and the portion of the first rear link 110 that transmits power to the second rear link 140 is adjacent to the portion of the second rear link 140 to which the power is transmitted from the first rear link 110 in the width direction.

[0290] For example, when the power transmission component is separated from the first rear link in the width direction, the power transmission efficiency from the power transmission component to the first rear link is likely to decrease. In contrast, in the above-mentioned sunroof device, the power transmission component is adjacent to the portion of the first rear link related to power transmission in the width direction. Therefore, the sunroof device can suppress the decrease in the power transmission efficiency from the power transmission component to the first rear link. Similarly, the sunroof device can suppress the decrease in the power transmission efficiency from the power transmission component to the second rear link and the power transmission efficiency from the first rear link to the second rear link.

[0291] Preferably, a standing angle of the second rear link 140 at the second standing position relative to the guide rail 60 is closer to vertical than a standing angle of the first rear link 110 at the first standing position relative to the guide rail 60 .

[0292] When the movable panel is arranged in the tilted position, when a load in the up-down direction acts on the movable panel, the load is transmitted to the second rear link supporting the movable panel. In the above-mentioned sunroof device, when the movable panel is arranged in the tilted position, the rising angle of the second rear link is an angle close to vertical compared with the rising angle of the first rear link. Therefore, when the load is transmitted to the second rear link, it is difficult for the second rear link to generate a torque that rotates the second rear link. As a result, the sunroof device can reduce the torque generated on the second rear link when a load in the up-down direction acts on the movable panel arranged in the tilted position.

[0293] Preferably, the entire length of the first rear link 110 is greater than the entire length of the second rear link 140, and the rotation angle of the first rear link 110 from the first dumped position to the first upright position is smaller than the rotation angle of the second rear link 140 from the second dumped position to the second upright position.

[0294] The total length of the first rear link is greater than the total length of the second rear link. Therefore, the first sliding groove of the first rear link can be moved away from the rotation center of the first rear link. As a result, when the movable panel is displaced from the fully closed position to the tilted position, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft of the power transmission component pushes the first rear link to the rotation center of the first rear link becomes longer. Therefore, the sunroof device can improve the power transmission efficiency from the first sliding shaft of the power transmission component to the first rear link.

[0295] In addition, the rotation angle of the first rear link from the first tilted position to the first upright position is smaller than the rotation angle of the second rear link from the second tilted position to the second upright position. Therefore, even if the total length of the first rear link is increased, the first rear link disposed at the first upright position is unlikely to interfere with the movable panel disposed at the tilted position.

[0296] Preferably, the first rear link 110 comprises: a base 111a, which is made of a metal material; and a covering portion 120, which is made of a resin material and covers the base 111a, the second rear link 140 has the second sliding shaft 147, and the covering portion 120 of the first rear link 110 comprises: a first rib 121, which extends from the base 111a in the width direction in a manner of dividing the first sliding groove 131; and a second rib 122, which extends from the base 111a in a direction opposite to the first rib 121 in a manner of dividing the second sliding groove 134.

[0297] In the first rear link, the first and second sliding grooves are provided in the cover portion made of resin material. Therefore, the sunroof device can improve the degree of freedom of the shapes of the first and second sliding grooves compared to the case where the first and second sliding grooves are provided in the base portion.

[0298] Preferably, the power transmission component 200 has a retaining wall 223 for retaining the first sliding shaft 225, and the first rear link 110 is arranged between the retaining wall 223 of the power transmission component 200 and the second rear link 140 in the width direction, and in the first rear link 110, the first rib 121 extends toward the retaining wall 223, and the second rib 122 extends toward the second rear link 140.

[0299] The sunroof device can densely arrange the structure for transmitting power from the power transmission member to the first rear link and the structure for transmitting power from the first rear link to the second rear link in the width direction. Therefore, the sunroof device can suppress the enlargement of the rear support portion in the width direction.

[0300] Preferably, the first rear link 110 is rod-shaped, the axis of the first link support shaft 123 passes through the base end of the first rear link 110 in the width direction, and the second sliding groove 134 includes: a transverse groove 134a, which extends from the top end of the first rear link 110 toward the base end; and a longitudinal groove 134b, which extends from one of the two ends of the transverse groove 134a, which is close to the axis of the first link support shaft 123, toward a direction intersecting the transverse groove 134a. When the first rear link 110 is configured in the first standing position and the second rear link 140 is configured in the second standing position, the longitudinal groove 134b extends upward from the end of the transverse groove 134a close to the rotation axis of the first rear link 110, and the second sliding shaft 147 of the second rear link 140 is located in the longitudinal groove 134b.

[0301] When the movable panel is arranged in the tilted position, a load in the up-down direction may temporarily or periodically act on the movable panel while the vehicle is traveling. Such a load will be transmitted to the second rear link via the movable panel. In this regard, when the movable panel is arranged in the tilted position, the second sliding shaft of the second rear link is accommodated in a longitudinal groove extending in the up-down direction. Therefore, when the above-mentioned load acts, the second sliding shaft of the second rear link will move along the longitudinal groove. That is, the above-mentioned load is difficult to be transmitted from the second rear link to the first rear link via the second sliding shaft. In this way, when a load in the up-down direction acts on the movable panel arranged in the tilted position, the sunroof device can suppress the movable panel from moving from the tilted position.

[0302] Preferably, in the first rear link 110 , the longitudinal groove 134 b penetrates the second rib 122 in the intersecting direction.

[0303] In the sunroof device, when the longitudinal groove of the first rear link is lengthened, the amount of the second rear link to be raised when the second rear link is arranged in the second raised position becomes easier to increase. In this regard, the sunroof device of this embodiment can extend the length of the longitudinal groove without increasing the thickness of the first rear link in the extension direction of the longitudinal groove, in that the longitudinal groove of the first rear link passes through the second rib.

[0304] Preferably, one of the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 has a snap-fitting protrusion 148, and the other of the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 has a snap-fitting recess 125, and when the first rear link 110 is located in the first upright position and the second rear link 140 is located in the second upright position, the snap-fitting protrusion 148 is embedded in the snap-fitting recess 125.

[0305] In the sunroof device, when the first rear link is located at the first upright position and the second rear link is located at the second upright position, the first rear link and the second rear link become difficult to move relative to each other. Therefore, the sunroof device can suppress unexpected movement of the movable panel arranged at the tilted position due to the relative movement of the first rear link and the second rear link.

[0306] Preferably, when the movable panel 40 is disposed at the fully closed position, the first rear link 110 is located below an upper edge of the guide rail 60 .

[0307] When the movable panel of the sunroof device is arranged in the fully closed position, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the device in the vertical direction due to the first rear link.

[0308] Preferably, the rotation axis of the first rear link 110 is located below the upper edge of the guide rail 60 and above the lower edge of the guide rail 60 as viewed in the width direction.

[0309] In a case where the rotation axis of the first rear link is located above the upper edge of the guide rail, the first rear link becomes easy to protrude upward from the guide rail. On the other hand, in a case where the rotation axis of the first rear link is located below the lower edge of the guide rail, the first rear link becomes easy to protrude downward from the guide rail. In this regard, in the sunroof device of the present embodiment, the rotation axis of the first rear link is located below the upper edge of the guide rail and above the lower edge of the guide rail. Therefore, the sunroof device of the present embodiment can further reduce the thickness of the device in the vertical direction when the movable panel is configured in the fully closed position.

[0310] Preferably, the rear support portion 500 has: a first link support shaft 542, which is the rotation axis of the first rear link 510, and the extension direction of the axis is the width direction; and a second link support shaft 543, which is the rotation axis of the second rear link 520, and the extension direction of the axis is the width direction. The sunroof device is configured such that when the power transmission component 200 moves in the front-to-rear direction, the first link support shaft 542 moves in the moving direction of the power transmission component 200, and the first rear link 510 rotates; the second link support shaft 543 moves in the moving direction of the power transmission component 200, and the second rear link 520 rotates.

[0311] Compared with a case where the first rear link and the second rear link have only the rotational degree of freedom, the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectories of the first rear link and the second rear link when the power transmission member moves in the front-rear direction becomes higher.

[0312] Preferably, the power transmission member 200 has recessed portions 226 and 227 recessed upward, and the second link support shaft 144, 145, 543 is sandwiched between the recessed portions 226 and 227 of the power transmission member 200 and the guide rail 60 in the vertical direction.

[0313] The second link support shaft of the second rear link is sandwiched by the recess of the power transmission component and the guide rail in the vertical direction. In this way, the second rear link can move in the front-rear direction along the guide rail and can rotate around the axis extending in the width direction. That is, the sunroof device can simplify the support method of the second rear link.

[0314] Preferably, the rear support portion 300 has: a first link support shaft 342, which is the rotation axis of the first rear link 310, and the extension direction of the axis is the width direction; and a second link support shaft 343, which is the rotation axis of the second rear link 320, and the extension direction of the axis is the width direction, and the sunroof device is configured such that when the power transmission component 350 moves in the front-to-rear direction, the first link support shaft 342 moves in the moving direction of the power transmission component 350, and the first rear link 310 rotates; the second link support shaft 343 does not move in the moving direction of the power transmission component 350, and the second rear link 320 rotates.

[0315] Assume a comparative example in which the second rear link supporting the rear end of the movable panel is movable in the front-to-back direction and rotatable. In this case, the amount of movement of the movable panel in the front-to-back direction between the fully closed position and the tilted position may become larger depending on the rotation direction and the movement direction of the second rear link. In this regard, in the sunroof device of the present embodiment, since the second rear link cannot move in the front-to-back direction, the amount of movement of the movable panel in the front-to-back direction between the fully closed position and the tilted position is difficult to become larger. Therefore, the sunroof device of the present embodiment can suppress the amount of movement of the movable panel in the front-to-back direction and raise and lower the rear end of the movable panel when the movable panel is moved between the fully closed position and the tilted position.

[0316] Preferably, the position of the second rear link 320 when the movable panel 40 is configured in the fully closed position is the second tilting position, and the position of the second rear link 320 when the movable panel 40 is configured in the tilted position is the second standing position, the position of the first rear link 310 when the second rear link 320 is configured in the second tilting position is the first tilting position, and the position of the first rear link 310 when the second rear link 320 is configured in the second standing position is the first standing position, and the power transmission component 350 has a The first sliding shaft 373 extends in the width direction, the first rear link 310 has a first sliding groove 311 for sliding the first sliding shaft 373, the first rear link 310 is configured to displace between the first dumping position and the first standing position based on the power transmitted from the power transmission component 350 via sliding of the first sliding shaft 373 and the first sliding groove 311, and the second rear link 320 is configured to displace between the second dumping position and the second standing position based on the power transmitted from the first rear link 310.

[0317] When the movable panel is displaced from the fully closed position to the tilted position, the first rear link rotates from the first dumped position to the first upright position. The first rear link rotates because the first sliding shaft of the power transmission component pushes the first rear link backward, thereby generating a torque on the first rear link. Here, the torque generated in the first rear link is the product of the rotation direction component of the first rear link in the force of the first sliding shaft pushing the first rear link and the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft pushes the first rear link to the rotation center of the first rear link. Therefore, in the case of the comparative example in which the first rear link cannot move in the front-to-back direction and can rotate, as the first rear link rotates toward the first upright position, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft pushes the first rear link to the rotation center of the first rear link gradually shortens. That is, in the case of the comparative example, as the first rear link rotates toward the first upright position, it is necessary to increase the force of the first sliding shaft pushing the first rear link.

[0318] In this regard, in the above-mentioned sunroof device, the first rear link is movable in the front-rear direction and is rotatable. Therefore, when the first rear link is displaced from the first dumped position to the first upright position, it moves rearward and rotates. Therefore, as the first rear link is displaced toward the first upright position, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft pushes the first rear link to the rotation center of the first rear link is difficult to shorten. As a result, as the first rear link is displaced toward the first upright position, the force of the first sliding shaft pushing the first rear link does not need to be increased. Therefore, the sunroof device can suppress the enlargement of the actuator or suppress the enlargement of the first rear link.

[0319] Preferably, the portion of the power transmission component 350 that transmits power to the first rear link 310 is adjacent to the portion of the first rear link 310 to which the power is transmitted from the power transmission component 350 in the width direction, and the portion of the first rear link 310 that transmits power to the second rear link 320 is adjacent to the portion of the second rear link 320 to which the power is transmitted from the first rear link 310 in the width direction.

[0320] For example, when the power transmission component is separated from the first rear link in the width direction, the power transmission efficiency from the power transmission component to the first rear link is likely to decrease. In contrast, in the above-mentioned sunroof device, the power transmission component is adjacent to the portion of the first rear link involved in power transmission in the width direction. Therefore, the sunroof device can suppress the decrease in the power transmission efficiency from the power transmission component to the first rear link. Similarly, the sunroof device can suppress the decrease in the power transmission efficiency from the first rear link to the second rear link.

[0321] Preferably, a standing angle of the second rear link 320 at the second standing position relative to the guide rail 60 is closer to vertical than a standing angle of the first rear link 310 at the first standing position relative to the guide rail 60 .

[0322] When the movable panel is arranged in the tilted position, when a load in the up-down direction acts on the movable panel, the load is transmitted to the second rear link supporting the movable panel. In the above-mentioned sunroof device, when the movable panel is arranged in the tilted position, the rising angle of the second rear link is an angle close to vertical compared with the rising angle of the first rear link. Therefore, when the load is transmitted to the second rear link, it is difficult for the second rear link to generate a torque that rotates the second rear link. As a result, when a load in the up-down direction acts on the movable panel arranged in the tilted position, the sunroof device can reduce the torque generated in the second rear link.

[0323] Preferably, the entire length of the first rear link 310 is greater than the entire length of the second rear link 320, and the rotation angle of the first rear link 310 from the first dumped position to the first upright position is smaller than the rotation angle of the second rear link 320 from the second dumped position to the second upright position.

[0324] The total length of the first rear link is greater than the total length of the second rear link. Therefore, the first sliding groove of the first rear link can be moved away from the rotation center of the first rear link. As a result, when the movable panel is displaced from the fully closed position to the tilted position, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft of the power transmission component pushes the first rear link to the rotation center of the first rear link becomes longer. Therefore, the sunroof device can improve the power transmission efficiency from the first sliding shaft of the power transmission component to the first rear link.

[0325] In addition, the rotation angle of the first rear link from the first tilted position to the first upright position is smaller than the rotation angle of the second rear link from the second tilted position to the second upright position. Therefore, even if the total length of the first rear link is increased, the first rear link disposed at the first upright position is unlikely to interfere with the movable panel disposed at the tilted position.

[0326] Preferably, the front end of the first rear link 310 located at the first dumping position is located forward compared to the front end of the second rear link 320 located at the second dumping position.

[0327] When the vehicle is in motion, an upward load corresponding to the driving speed of the vehicle acts on the movable panel. In addition, when the movable panel is closed during the driving of the vehicle, the upward load acting on the movable panel becomes the maximum when the movable panel moves near the fully closed position. That is, when the movable panel moves near the fully closed position, it is necessary that the movable panel on which a larger upward load is applied is lowered. In this regard, in the above-mentioned sunroof device, the front end of the first rear link located at the first dumping position is located in front of the front end of the second rear link located at the second dumping position. That is, the first sliding groove of the first rear link can extend further forward based on the rotation center of the first rear link. Therefore, when the movable panel moves near the fully closed position, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft of the power transmission component pushes the first rear link to the rotation center of the first rear link is easy to become longer. Therefore, when the sunroof device displaces the first rear link toward the first dumping position, the force of the first sliding shaft of the power transmission component pushing the first rear link can be reduced.

[0328] Preferably, when the first rear link 310 is located at the first dumping position and the second rear link 320 is located at the second dumping position, the first link support shaft 342 is located rearward of the second link support shaft 343 .

[0329] In a condition where the first rear link is located at the first dumping position and the second rear link is located at the second dumping position, the relationship between the first rear link and the second rear link is as described below. That is, in addition to the front end of the first rear link being located in front of the front end of the second rear link, the rotation center of the first rear link is located in the rear compared to the rotation center of the second rear link. Therefore, when the movable panel moves near the fully closed position, the distance from the position where the first sliding shaft of the power transmission component pushes the first rear link to the rotation center of the first rear link tends to become longer. Therefore, when the sunroof device displaces the first rear link toward the first dumping position, the force of the first sliding shaft of the power transmission component pushing the first rear link can be reduced.

[0330] Preferably, when viewed in the width direction, at least a portion of the first link support shaft 342 and the second link support shaft 343 projected rearward overlap.

[0331] In the case where the first link support shaft projected to the rear does not overlap with the second link support shaft, that is, the position of the first link support shaft in the vertical direction is greatly offset from the position of the second link support shaft in the vertical direction, one of the first rear link and the second rear link is configured to be offset in the vertical direction relative to the other. As a result, the thickness of the device in the vertical direction may increase. In contrast, since the first link support shaft projected to the rear overlaps with the second link support shaft, the sunroof device can suppress the increase in the thickness of the device in the vertical direction caused by the positional relationship between the first rear link and the second rear link.

[0332] Preferably, when the movable panel 40 is disposed at the fully closed position, the first rear link 310 is located below an upper edge of the guide rail 60 .

[0333] When the movable panel of the sunroof device is arranged in the fully closed position, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the device in the vertical direction due to the first rear link.

[0334] Preferably, the rear support portion 300 includes a link support portion 330 that supports the first link support shaft 342 and the second link support shaft 343 , and the link support portion 330 is fixed to the guide rail 60 .

[0335] When manufacturing the sunroof device, the first link support shaft, the second link support shaft, the first rear link, and the second rear link can be assembled to the link support portion. In this case, by fixing the link support portion to the guide rail, the first link support shaft, the second link support shaft, the first rear link, and the second rear link are positioned relative to the guide rail. In this way, the sunroof device can improve the manufacturing efficiency of the device.

[0336] Preferably, the power transmission component 350 has a transmission shaft 374, which supports the first rear link 410 so as to be rotatable around an axis extending along the width direction and transmits power to the first rear link 410, and the rear support portion 400 has a second link support shaft 443, which is the rotation axis of the second rear link 420, and the extension direction of the axis is the width direction, and the sunroof device is configured such that when the power transmission component 350 moves in the front-rear direction, the transmission shaft 374 moves together with the power transmission component 350, and the first rear link 410 rotates; the second link support shaft 443 does not move in the moving direction of the power transmission component 350, and the second rear link 420 rotates.

[0337] Assume a comparative example in which the second rear link supporting the rear end of the movable panel is movable in the front-to-back direction and rotatable. In this case, the amount of movement of the movable panel in the front-to-back direction between the fully closed position and the tilted position may become larger depending on the rotation direction and the movement direction of the second rear link. In this regard, in the sunroof device of the present embodiment, since the second rear link cannot move in the front-to-back direction, the amount of movement of the movable panel in the front-to-back direction between the fully closed position and the tilted position is difficult to become larger. Therefore, when the sunroof device of the present embodiment moves the movable panel between the fully closed position and the tilted position, it is possible to suppress the amount of movement of the movable panel in the front-to-back direction and to raise and lower the rear end of the movable panel. In addition, the sunroof device of the present embodiment can enable the transmission shaft that transmits power from the power transmission component to the first rear link to have the function of supporting the first rear link so as to be rotatable.

[0338] Preferably, the second link support shaft 443 is located rearward of the transmission shaft 374 .

[0339] The sunroof device can arrange the second rear link that supports the movable panel near the rear end of the sunroof device.

[0340] Preferably, the position of the second rear link 420 when the movable panel 40 is configured in the fully closed position is the second tilting position, and the position of the second rear link 420 when the movable panel 40 is configured in the tilted position is the second upright position, the position of the first rear link 410 when the second rear link 420 is configured in the second tilting position is the first tilting position, and the position of the first rear link 410 when the second rear link 420 is configured in the second upright position is the first upright position, the rear support portion 400 has a third sliding shaft 442 and a link support portion 430, the third sliding shaft extending along the width direction, the link support portion supporting the third sliding shaft 442, the second rear link 420 has a second sliding shaft 441, the second sliding shaft extending along the width direction The first rear link 410 extends in the width direction, and has a second sliding groove 412 and a third sliding groove 413. The second sliding groove is for sliding the second sliding shaft 441, and the third sliding groove is for sliding the third sliding shaft 442. The first rear link 410 is configured to displace between the first tilting position and the first standing position based on the power transmitted from the power transmission component 350 via the transmission shaft 374 and the force transmitted from the link support portion 430 via the sliding of the third sliding shaft 442 and the third sliding groove 413. The second rear link 420 is configured to displace between the second tilting position and the second standing position based on the power transmitted from the first rear link 410 via the sliding of the second sliding shaft 441 and the second sliding groove 412.

[0341] The first rear link has the second sliding groove and the third sliding groove, but other components of the rear support portion do not have sliding grooves. That is, the sunroof device can simplify components of other rear support portions because two sliding grooves can be integrated into the first rear link.

[0342] The sunroof device 30, 30A~30C includes: a movable panel 40, which is configured to move between a fully closed position in which the roof opening 25 of the vehicle 10 is fully closed and a tilted position in which the rear end is raised compared to the fully closed position; a fixed bracket 70, which is fixed to the movable panel 40; a guide rail 60, which extends in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 10; a rear support portion 100, which is arranged at a position closer to the rear end than the front end of the guide rail 60 and supports the fixed bracket 70; and a power transmission component 200, which is configured to move along the guide rail 60 in the front-to-rear direction. The rear support portion 100 includes a first rear link 110 configured to rotate about an axis extending in the width direction of the vehicle 10, and a second rear link 140 configured to move in the front-rear direction together with the power transmission member 200 and rotate about an axis extending in the width direction while supporting the fixed bracket 70. One of the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 includes a sliding shaft 147 extending in the width direction, and the other of the first rear link 110 and the second rear link 140 includes a sliding groove 134 for sliding the sliding shaft 147. The second rear link 140 is configured to displace the movable panel 40 based on the power transmitted from the power transmission member 200 and the power transmitted from the first rear link 110 via the sliding shaft 147 and the sliding groove 134.

[0343] In the sunroof device, when the movable panel is actuated, the power transmission component is driven. And the first rear link rotates based on the power transmitted from the power transmission component. In addition, the second rear link moves and rotates in the front-rear direction based on the power transmitted from the power transmission component and the power transmitted from the first rear link. Here, the first rear link is not a structure fixed relative to the guide rail, but a structure that rotates relative to the guide rail. That is, when the sunroof device arranges the movable panel in the fully closed position, the amount of the first rear link protruding upward relative to the guide rail can be reduced. In addition, when the sunroof device arranges the movable panel in the tilted position, the amount of the first rear link protruding upward relative to the guide rail can be increased. In this way, the sunroof device can ensure the tilting amount of the movable panel and reduce the thickness of the device in the up-and-down direction.

[0344] Explanation of symbols

[0345] 10…Vehicle, 20…Vehicle body, 25…Roof opening, 30, 30A, 30B, 30C…Sunroof device, 40…Moveable panel, 60…Guide rail, 70…Fixed bracket, 80…Drive shoe, 100, 300, 400, 500…Rear support, 110, 310, 410, 510…First rear link, 120…Cover, 111a…Base, 121…First rib, 122…Second rib, 123, 342, 542…First link support shaft, 125…Engagement recess, 131, 311, 511…First slide groove, 134, 412…Second slide groove (slide groove), 134a …horizontal groove, 134b…vertical groove, 140, 320, 420, 520…second rear link, 144, 145, 343, 443, 543…second link support shaft, 147, 441…second sliding shaft (sliding shaft), 148…engaging protrusion, 150, 330, 430, 530…link support part, 200, 350…power transmission component, 223, 372…retaining wall, 225, 373…first sliding shaft, 226…first recess (recess), 227…second recess (recess), 374…transmission shaft, 442…third sliding shaft, 331b, 413, 531…third sliding groove.

Claims

1. A skylight device, wherein: have: a movable panel configured to be displaced between a fully closed position in which the roof opening of the vehicle is fully closed and a raised position in which a rear end portion of the movable panel is raised compared to the fully closed position; a guide rail extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; a rear support portion that is disposed closer to the rear end than to the front end of the guide rail and supports the movable panel; and a power transmission member configured to move along the guide rail in the front-rear direction, The rear support portion has: a first rear link configured to rotate about an axis extending in a width direction of the vehicle; and a second rear link configured to rotate about an axis extending in the width direction while supporting the movable panel; The first rear link is configured to rotate based on the power transmitted from the power transmission member. The second rear link is configured to rotate according to the rotation of the first rear link to displace the movable panel.

2. The sunroof device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first rear link and the second rear link is configured to move and rotate in a moving direction of the power transmission member when the power transmission member moves in the front-rear direction.

3. The sunroof device according to claim 2, wherein: The rear support portion includes: a first link support shaft, which is a rotation shaft of the first rear link and has an axis extending in the width direction; and a second link support shaft, which is arranged forward of the first link support shaft and is a rotation shaft of the second rear link and has an axis extending in the width direction. The sunroof device is configured such that when the power transmission member moves in the front-rear direction, The first link support shaft does not move in the moving direction of the power transmission member, and the first rear link rotates; The second link support shaft does not move in the moving direction of the power transmission member, and the second rear link rotates.

4. The sunroof device according to claim 3, wherein: The position of the second rear link when the movable panel is arranged at the fully closed position is a second tilted position, and the position of the second rear link when the movable panel is arranged at the tilted position is a second raised position. The position of the first rear link when the second rear link is configured in the second dumped position is a first dumped position, and the position of the first rear link when the second rear link is configured in the second raised position is a first raised position, One of the first rear link and the second rear link has a sliding shaft extending in the width direction, and the other of the first rear link and the second rear link has a sliding groove for sliding the sliding shaft. The first rear link is configured to be displaced between the first tilted position and the first upright position based on the power transmitted from the power transmission member. The second rear link is configured to be displaced between the second dumped position and the second standing position based on the power transmitted from the power transmission member and the power transmitted from the first rear link via sliding of the slide shaft and the slide groove.

5. The sunroof device according to claim 4, wherein: The sliding shaft is a second sliding shaft, and the sliding groove is a second sliding groove. The power transmission member has a first sliding shaft extending in the width direction. The first rear link has a first sliding groove for sliding the first sliding shaft. The first rear link is configured to be displaced between the first dumped position and the first standing position based on power transmitted from the power transmission member via sliding of the first sliding shaft and the first sliding groove.

6. The sunroof device according to claim 5, wherein: A portion of the power transmission member that transmits power to the first rear link and a portion of the first rear link to which power is transmitted from the power transmission member are adjacent to each other in the width direction. A portion of the power transmission member that transmits power to the second rear link and a portion of the second rear link to which power is transmitted from the power transmission member are adjacent to each other in the width direction. A portion of the first rear link that transmits power to the second rear link and a portion of the second rear link to which power is transmitted from the first rear link are adjacent in the width direction.

7. The sunroof device according to claim 5, wherein: A standing angle of the second rear link located at the second standing position relative to the guide rail is closer to vertical than a standing angle of the first rear link located at the first standing position relative to the guide rail.

8. The skylight device according to claim 5 or 7, wherein: The overall length of the first rear link is greater than the overall length of the second rear link, A rotation angle of the first rear link from the first dumped position to the first standing position is smaller than a rotation angle of the second rear link from the second dumped position to the second standing position.

9. The sunroof device according to claim 5, wherein: The first rear link has: a base composed of a metal material; and a covering portion, the covering portion being made of a resin material and covering the base portion, The second rear link has the second sliding shaft, The covering portion of the first rear link has: a first rib extending from the base portion in the width direction in a manner of dividing the first sliding groove; as well as A second rib extends from the base in a direction opposite to the first rib so as to divide the second slide groove.

10. The sunroof device according to claim 9, wherein: The power transmission member has a retaining wall for retaining the first sliding shaft. The first rear link is arranged between the retaining wall of the power transmission member and the second rear link in the width direction. In the first rear link, the first rib extends toward the retaining wall, and the second rib extends toward the second rear link.

11. The sunroof device according to claim 9, wherein: The first rear link is in the shape of a rod. The axis of the first link support shaft passes through the base end portion of the first rear link in the width direction. The second sliding groove comprises: a transverse groove extending from a top end portion toward a base end portion of the first rear link; as well as a longitudinal groove extending from one of the two ends of the transverse groove, the end close to the axis of the first connecting rod supporting shaft, in a direction intersecting the transverse groove, When the first rear link is arranged in the first upright position and the second rear link is arranged in the second upright position, the longitudinal groove extends upward from the end of the transverse groove close to the rotation axis of the first rear link, and the second sliding shaft of the second rear link is located in the longitudinal groove.

12. The sunroof device according to claim 11, wherein: In the first rear link, the longitudinal groove penetrates the second rib in the intersecting direction.

13. The sunroof device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: One of the first rear link and the second rear link has an engaging protrusion. The other of the first rear link and the second rear link has an engaging recessed portion. When the first rear link is located at the first standing position and the second rear link is located at the second standing position, the engaging protrusion is fitted into the engaging recess.

14. The sunroof device according to claim 3, wherein: When the movable panel is disposed at the fully closed position, the first rear link is located below an upper edge of the guide rail.

15. The skylight device according to claim 3 or 14, wherein: The rotation axis of the first rear link is located below an upper edge of the guide rail and above a lower edge of the guide rail when viewed in the width direction.

16. The sunroof device according to claim 2, wherein: The rear support portion includes: a first link support shaft, which is a rotation shaft of the first rear link and has an axis extending in the width direction; and a second link support shaft, which is a rotation shaft of the second rear link and has an axis extending in the width direction. The sunroof device is configured such that when the power transmission member moves in the front-rear direction, The first link support shaft moves in the moving direction of the power transmission component, and the first rear link rotates; The second link support shaft moves in the moving direction of the power transmission member, and the second rear link rotates.

17. The skylight device according to claim 3 or 16, wherein: The power transmission component has a recessed portion recessed upward, The second link support shaft is sandwiched in the up-down direction between the recessed portion of the power transmission member and the guide rail.

18. The skylight device according to claim 2, wherein: The rear support portion includes: a first link support shaft, which is a rotation shaft of the first rear link and has an axis extending in the width direction; and a second link support shaft, which is a rotation shaft of the second rear link and has an axis extending in the width direction. The sunroof device is configured such that when the power transmission member moves in the front-rear direction, The first link support shaft moves in the moving direction of the power transmission component, and the first rear link rotates; The second link support shaft does not move in the moving direction of the power transmission member, and the second rear link rotates.

19. The sunroof device according to claim 18, wherein: The position of the second rear link when the movable panel is arranged at the fully closed position is a second tilted position, and the position of the second rear link when the movable panel is arranged at the tilted position is a second raised position. The position of the first rear link when the second rear link is configured in the second dumped position is a first dumped position, and the position of the first rear link when the second rear link is configured in the second raised position is a first raised position, The power transmission member has a first sliding shaft extending in the width direction. The first rear link has a first sliding groove for sliding the first sliding shaft. The first rear link is configured to be displaced between the first tilted position and the first standing position based on the power transmitted from the power transmission member via the sliding of the first sliding shaft and the first sliding groove. The second rear link is configured to be displaced between the second dumped position and the second standing position based on power transmitted from the first rear link.

20. The sunroof device according to claim 19, wherein: A portion of the power transmission member that transmits power to the first rear link and a portion of the first rear link to which power is transmitted from the power transmission member are adjacent to each other in the width direction. A portion of the first rear link that transmits power to the second rear link and a portion of the second rear link to which power is transmitted from the first rear link are adjacent in the width direction.

21. The sunroof device according to claim 19, wherein: A standing angle of the second rear link located at the second standing position relative to the guide rail is closer to vertical than a standing angle of the first rear link located at the first standing position relative to the guide rail.

22. The skylight device according to claim 19 or 21, wherein: The overall length of the first rear link is greater than the overall length of the second rear link, A rotation angle of the first rear link from the first dumped position to the first standing position is smaller than a rotation angle of the second rear link from the second dumped position to the second standing position.

23. The sunroof device according to claim 19, wherein: A front end of the first rear link located at the first dump position is located forward of a front end of the second rear link located at the second dump position.

24. The skylight device according to claim 23, wherein: When the first rear link is located at the first dumping position and the second rear link is located at the second dumping position, The first link support shaft is located rearward of the second link support shaft.

25. The skylight device according to claim 18 or 24, wherein: When viewed in the width direction, the first link support shaft and the second link support shaft projected rearwardly at least partially overlap.

26. The skylight device according to claim 18, wherein: When the movable panel is disposed at the fully closed position, the first rear link is located below an upper edge of the guide rail.

27. The skylight device according to claim 18 or 26, wherein: The rear support portion includes a link support portion that supports the first link support shaft and the second link support shaft. The link support portion is fixed to the guide rail.

28. The skylight device according to claim 2, wherein: The power transmission member includes a transmission shaft that supports the first rear link so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the width direction and transmits power to the first rear link. The rear support portion has a second link support shaft, which is a rotation axis of the second rear link and has an axis extending in the width direction. The sunroof device is configured such that when the power transmission member moves in the front-rear direction, The transmission shaft and the power transmission member move together, and the first rear link rotates; The second link support shaft does not move in the moving direction of the power transmission member, and the second rear link rotates.

29. The skylight device according to claim 28, wherein: The second link support shaft is located rearward of the transmission shaft.

30. The skylight device according to claim 28 or 29, wherein: The position of the second rear link when the movable panel is arranged at the fully closed position is a second tilted position, and the position of the second rear link when the movable panel is arranged at the tilted position is a second raised position. The position of the first rear link when the second rear link is configured in the second dumped position is a first dumped position, and the position of the first rear link when the second rear link is configured in the second raised position is a first raised position, The rear support portion includes a third sliding shaft extending in the width direction and a link support portion supporting the third sliding shaft. The second rear link has a second sliding shaft extending along the width direction. The first rear link has a second sliding groove and a third sliding groove, wherein the second sliding groove is for the second sliding shaft to slide, and the third sliding groove is for the third sliding shaft to slide. The first rear link is configured to be displaced between the first tilted position and the first standing position based on the power transmitted from the power transmission member via the transmission shaft and the force transmitted from the link support portion via the sliding of the third sliding shaft and the third sliding groove. The second rear link is configured to be displaced between the second dumped position and the second standing position based on power transmitted from the first rear link via sliding of the second sliding shaft and the second sliding groove.

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